
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 19, 1990                   TAG: 9004190604
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

CHILD PORN RULING HAILED, QUESTIONED

The Supreme Court is arming law enforcement officials with a powerful new weapon to wipe out child pornography and its "contemptible exploitation of children," anti-pornography groups say.

The court, in a 6-3 ruling Wednesday, said states may make it a crime to possess or look at child pornography, even in one's home.

While the dissenters said the decision tramples on rights of free expression and privacy, others were jubilant and predicted states will follow the court's blueprint and enact tough new laws.

Beverly LaHaye of Concerned Women for America said every state should "take advantage of this decision and immediately begin to crack down on this depraved and contemptible exploitation of children."

"This decision will help state law enforcement officials throughout America shut down highly organized private networks of pedophiles who trade pictures of their victims," said Jerry Kirk, head of the National Coalition Against Pornography. "It's vital that we realize that there is no child pornography without there first being the tragic molestation of a young child."

The justices upheld an Ohio law said to be the toughest of its kind in the nation. Eighteen other states also have laws against possessing such material.

The laws are aimed at stamping out so-called kiddie porn by punishing those who buy the material, not only those who sell it.

In a separate issue involving children, several justices voiced concern Wednesday that society's desire to protect children could deny fair trials to people charged with child abuse.

The court heard arguments in cases from Maryland and Idaho and is expected to announce rulings in both by July. At issue is whether defendants in child-abuse cases are entitled to at least one face-to-face confrontation with their young accusers.

Some states use closed-circuit television or permit experts to testify for the children.

Justice Antonin Scalia said a court appearance might well be "something of an emotional trauma" for a child but added that must be weighed against the years in prison faced by a defendant if convicted.

by CNB