Taking Stock of 20 Years of Sex Offender Laws and Research: An Examination of Whether Sex Offender Legislation has Helped or Hindered Our Efforts

• NCJ Number: 241966
• Journal: Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: November 2012 Pages: 335-355
• Author(s): Laura M. Ragusa-Salerno; Kristen M. Zgoba
• Date Published: November 2012
• Length: 21 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the effectiveness of a variety of sexual offender laws passed between the two decades of 1990 and 2010.

Abstract

The present study adds to the existing empirical literature on sex offending by examining the effectiveness of a variety of sexual offender laws passed between the two decades of 1990 and 2010. This study used a sample of 1,129 sexual offenders released from New Jersey State correctional facilities during these two decades of legislative focus. Specific attention is paid to the four common themes of the legislation, including sexual offender registration and notification, civil commitment, residence restrictions, and risk designation. When each law is analyzed using its specific purpose and application process, and then compared to a sample of sex offense cases, it becomes apparent that the laws do not apply to a wide percentage of sex offense cases. The researchers conclude that the laws have little preventive capability. The implications of this finding are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.