John Doe was convicted of child exploitation in Marion County, Indiana. After his release from prison, he was not subject to court supervision, but was required to register as a sex offender with the state. Under an Indiana statute that covered child exploitation and other sex offenses, Doe could not use certain Web sites and programs. Doe filed a suit in a federal district court against the Marion County prosecutor, alleging that the statute violated his right to freedom of speech under the First Amendment. Doe asked the court to issue an injunction to block enforcement of the law. The court held that “the regulation is narrowly tailored to serve a significant state interest” and entered a judgment for the defendant. Doe appealed to the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT DIMENSION

What is an injunction? What did the plaintiff in this case hope to gain by seeking an injunction?

THE SOCIAL DIMENSION

Could a state effectively enforce a law that banned all communication between minors and sex offenders through social media sites? Why or why not?