COURT110107

U.S. Supreme Court hears case of convicted Minnesota sex offender

Last update: October 31, 2007 - 9:19 PM

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a Minnesota case challenging a repeat sex-offender's 1996 conviction for molesting a 6-year-old boy.

The case is based on the contention of Stephen Danforth, now serving a 26-year prison term, that he was unfairly convicted on the basis of the boy's videotaped statement, without being afforded the opportunity to cross-examine the child.

In 2004, eight years after Danforth's conviction in Hennepin County, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling limiting the use of out-of-court testimony. Danforth subsequently appealed his conviction.

The Minnesota Supreme Court decided against him, saying that, under federal law, the new restrictions on out-of-court testimony did not apply to cases already decided. Danforth, now 56, petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court, which must now decide whether the rule applies to earlier cases.

The oral arguments featured two University of Minnesota Law School graduates: Assistant State Public Defender Benjamin Butler, representing Danforth, and Deputy Hennepin County Attorney Pat Diamond, arguing for the state.

The justices, who leveled questions casting doubt on both sides' legal arguments, are expected to rule in several months.

KEVIN DIAZ