PLEASE NOTE I DO NOT HAVE THE BOOK FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT *The book needed to complete this assignment is Sex Offenders and Criminal Justice, Author: Madden, Publisher: Wolters Kluwer Law & Business; ISBN: 9781454850342
Theme(s): Sex Offenders and Recidivism, Sex Offender Registration and Notification Laws, Residential Restrictions and Civil Commitments of Sex Offenders, Treatment for Sex Offenders
Materials to Draw Upon: Chapter 10,11,12,13
Prompt(s): Answer 3 out of the 4 questions
1. It is demonstrated in the reading that many individuals in society have come to believe certain stereotypes about sex offenders and sex crimes. Prior to reading the chapter, spend some time to write down some of your own common misconceptions about sex offenders and the recidivism rate. Then, after you have read the material, list some facts about the link between sex offenders and recidivism that you did not know before reading the chapter. Did the reading change your mind about recidivism? Why or why not?
2. SORN is a big part of news stories when sex offenders are involved. Look up an article that posits the effects these registries have on an individual’s life. Are the effects of the registry beneficial to the individual? To the neighborhood or community? To society in general? Should all sex offenders be put on the registry, regardless of the nature of the specific crime they committed? Why or why not? What, if any, exceptions should be made regarding who is placed on the registry? Do registries affect criminal behavior? Support your answers with evidence.
3. Both Resident Restriction and Civil Commitment policies have been enforced as means to ensure public safety. But information in the text and elsewhere demonstrates that these policies are often ineffective.
a. Explain the concept of Resident Restriction and Civil Commitment (i.e define, explain the legal challenges).
b. Discuss the benefits and consequences for society of these policies.
c. What is your opinion on these policies?
4. Many different treatment programs for sex offenders exist throughout the United States. Compile a short list of three (3) programs and characterize the specific approaches taken by each. At least one (1) program should include a treatment that was talked about in the book.
Keep in mind that similar crimes may be handled differently depending on local values, circumstances, and resources. Compare your findings and conclusions and discuss which programs you believe to have the most to offer offenders and which have the least. You should be able to explain your conclusions and be able to suggest ways weaker programs can be improved.
