REGISTRIES REVISITED
Derek “The Fallen One” Logue
February 9, 2009, ADDENDUM 8/30/09
Introduction
Since its inception, the public registry for sex offenders [a.k.a., “Megan’s Law] has become a mainstay in
our society. Proponents of this law claim many benefits, such as the availability of sex offender information
to make informed decisions, promoting public safety, and lowering recidivism by increased vigilance. In
2003 even the US Supreme Court claimed registries were constitutional. However, in light of new evidence
of both the overall ineffectiveness and the negative consequences of the registries, including propagating
myths, social ostracism, barriers to rehabilitation, and even vigilantism, the notion of public registries
should be revisited, including in court. (For the sake of brevity, since community notification is always
coupled with the public registry, all references to the registry should be assumed to apply to community
notification as well).
A Very Concise History of Megan’s Law
“If I had known that there was a pedophile living on our street, my daughter would be alive today.” –
Maureen Kanka
The concept of a public registry was founded on the “If Only” principle – The rationale is “If only we had
known a sex offender was living down the street, this tragedy would not have happened." In 1994, ninety-
four days after the murder of 7 year old Megan Kanka, New Jersey passed the first public registry law (the
Jacob Wetterling Act, the federal registry, was not public). Two years later, in 1996, President Clinton
signed the National public registry into law, which also included community notification [1]. At first, there
was a lot of resistance to these laws on the basis of constitutional rights, but today those sentiments have
changed greatly; today people claim it is not enough and demand more restrictive laws [2]. Some lower
courts had ruled the public registries indeed violate constitutional rights [3] ; however, the US Supreme
Court upheld the public registry in Smith v. Doe in a 6-3 decision, claiming the registry was regulatory and
not punitive, and thus does not violate ex post facto. The three dissenters rightfully noted the registry is
indeed punitive [4]. In the same year, the US Supreme Court also ruled that registries do not violate
procedural due process, but did not rule on substantive due process [5].
The 2003 rulings of the US Supreme Court have justified increased restrictions of every kind, and the High
Court has only made one ruling since then against any measure aimed at sex offenders, the 2008
Kennedy v. Louisiana decision, which banned the death penalty for child rape where no murder was
involved [6]. The Kennedy decision was heavily criticized by both Barack Obama and John McCain, who
were both running for President at the time [7], and a failed move to overturn the law was pushed by 85
House Republicans and the governors of Missouri and Louisiana [8].
Impact and Consequences of Megan’s Law
Proponents of Megan’s Law have long argued the law as an effective tool to protect themselves from
convicted sex offenders. However, research has discovered a myriad of problems with the law itself which
counter any claims of effectiveness of the law. Below are some of the major problems with registry laws.
Perpetuating Stereotypes:
It comes as little surprise registry laws have helped perpetuate many of the myths the general public
believes about those who commit sexual offenses, including stranger-danger, high recidivism rates of sex
offenders, the view everyone on the registry are of equally high risk, and believe treatment is ineffective
for reducing recidivism, which of course, fuels the public perceptions registries are needed [9]. Despite
our best efforts to counter the myths [10], a visit to any blog, forum, or chatroom where sex offender laws
are being discussed will provide evidence that the majority of individuals still hold fast to these beliefs.
Predator/ Moral Panic:
Predator Panic the result of disproportionate media sensationalism and political crusading over the very
rare occurrence of brutal sex crimes in this country [11]. Studies have shown that the media over-reported
sex crimes up to 14 times the level of actual incidence, and present their reports in ways that inspire more
fear of sex crimes than any other crime including homicide [12]. Predator panic has become so
widespread it has even impacted the view that all men, not just those on the registries, are potential
predators. Fear of accusations is so deep, businesses such as airlines and coaches at school have
instituted policies to never allow men alone with a child [13]. As a consequence, fewer men are working or
volunteering at child-oriented businesses or even to stop to help a distressed child at the mall, because,
as one man put it, “Being male, I am guilty till proven innocent [14].” Predator panic can even result in loss
of property values of homes around the residence of a registrant by an average of four percent [15].
Thus, evidence Megan’s Law and Predator Panic continually feed off each other has become more
evident over the years.
Promotes Vigilantism:
As of Sept. 2007, eAdvocate lists 112 murdered individuals known to have been murdered due to sex
crime accusations or convictions [16]. The most notorious acts against registrants were the double
murders in Washington in September 2005 and the double murders in Maine in April 2006; both murders
were linked directly to their listings on the online registry [17]. In addition to murder, a significant number
of registrants, as well as loved ones of the registrant, have experienced different forms of vigilantism.
“Nearly half of the offenders reported experiencing threats, property damage, or physical assault as a
result of public disclosure [18].” In addition, almost half of people living with the registrant reported being
threatened or harassed by neighbors, 27% had their property damaged, and 7% said they were physically
assaulted by someone as a result of notification [19]. Furthermore, strong evidence has shown that the
information typically contained on the registries compel readers to behave in a “less than responsible”
manner [20].
May Deter Reporting of Sex Crimes:
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, only 6.7% of the victims under age 18 and 34.4% of the
victims over 18 were attacked by strangers [21], so the shaming effect of the registry is believed to deter
some victims who know his or her offender from reporting the crime [22]. Registries may lead to the
identification of the victim, and may not report the crime because of the impact on the family [23].
Creates Barriers to Rehabilitation and Reintegration:
“Although these laws were passed as a means to decrease recidivism and promote public safety, the
resulting stigmatization of sex offenders is likely to result in disruption of their relationships, loss of or
difficulties finding jobs, difficulties finding housing, and decreased psychological well-being, all factors that
could increase their risk of recidivism [24].” Researchers generally agree that stability in post-release life
of the former offender greatly impacts recidivism, and by creating such a malevolent environment towards
those on the registry, registries interfere with successful reintegration and rehabilitation. Indeed,
registrants have report stress, isolation, disruption to social relationships, fear for one’s safety, shame and
embarrassment, and hopelessness. Furthermore, as the result of these barriers, registrants are far more
likely to live in poorer neighborhoods with higher crime rates, placing even more barriers to the
rehabilitation process [25]. At the core of this argument is the impact of the “labeling effect,” more
specifically, “disintegrative shaming,” the criminological theory in which a former offender is prevented
from reintegrating and reconnecting to society and may in response commit subsequent offenses [26].
The detrimental impact can be greater among those socially stigmatized as sexual deviants at an earlier
age, as youth tend to be more impressionable and reactive to the negative effects of these laws [27]. The
Adam Walsh Act allows youth as young as age 14 to be listed on the public registries.
Effectiveness of Megan’s Law Questioned
Until recently, there has been little in the way of research on the impact of sex offender registries on the
prevention of sex crimes. Some early studies failed to find any significant declines in re-arrest rates for
both sex specific and in crimes in general among registrants[28]. A 2006 study on the registries found
that the laws were created more on “assumptions” than on factual information. The study found no
evidence Megan’s Law reduces recidivism, use registries to find other offenders to be partners in crime,
gives a false sense of security, promotes myths about the nature of sex crimes, and possibly deter intra-
familial offenses from being reported. Furthermore, vigilantism against registrants was highly under-
reported and under-recorded [29].
Two studies released at the beginning of 2009 reinforce the earlier findings of the impact of Megan’s Law.
New Jersey Study—“Megan’s Law: Assessing the Practical and Monetary Efficacy [30] ”
The first study making considerable headlines is the New Jersey study released to the public around the
first of February, 2009. This study failed to link Megan’s Law with reducing sex crime rates, as crime
trends were already on the decline when Megan’s Law took effect, and the decline could possibly be
attributed to other cultural trends. The study also failed to find any impact on reducing sex crimes among
convicted offenders or even first time offenders, nor in reducing the number of victims involved in sexual
offenses. Costs associated with the initial implementation as well as ongoing expenditures continue to
grow over time. Start up costs totaled $555,565 and current costs (in 2007) totaled approximately 3.9
million dollars for the responding counties. Given the lack of demonstrated effect of Megan’s Law on
sexual offenses, the growing costs may not be justifiable.
It is interesting to note that Maureen Kanka was reported by reliable sources to have tried to have the
research article suppressed [31], so it came as no surprise when she criticized the study and made the
claim Megan’s Law is not intended to change the behavior of sex criminals [32].
New York Study—“Does a Watched Pot Boil? A Time-Series Analysis of New York State’s Sex Offender
Registration and Notification Law [33]
Perhaps a more damning study was recently published by the American Psychological Association in
November 2008. In the introduction to the study, the researchers noted the media sensationalizes sex
crime stories in more fearful ways than any other crime types, and the myths that perpetuate the support
of such laws. It also noted a 2005 study that found out of 10 states, six reported no change in sex crime
rates, three reported decreases, and one reported a sharp increase [34].
The New York Study found no changes in the sex crime rates of either convicted sex offenders or first time
offenders before or after registry laws were passed in New York. Furthermore the study found 95.9% of
rape arrests and 94.1% of child molestation arrests were of first time offenders, meaning people not on
the registry [35]. The study concludes more resources should be used on prevention programs and not
to rely on this ineffective measure which may discourage reporting abuse among those the victim knows,
as well as giving people a false sense of security.
Registries “Not Intended to Reduce Recidivism,” Intent is “Increase Awareness:"
In response to the New Jersey study debunking the deterrent effects of Megan’s Law, Maureen Kanka
claimed the intent was not to “alter the behavior of sex offenders,” but to “provide an awareness to the
public [36].” Many articles cast doubt on the efficacy of that argument as well. In a 2005 Gallup Poll taken
just after the Jessica Lunsford tragedy hit the media, only 38% of individuals were even aware their state
even maintains a registry. Even though 94% of those polled favored registries, only 23% have ever
checked the registry, while 34% stated concerns over harassment and vigilantism as a result of the
registry [37]. When the state of Florida proposed cutting e-mail notification alerts in 2008 due to budget
cuts, it was noted only 44,000 of the state’s 16 million residents (or 0.275%) signed up for the program
[38], or roughly one signee per registrant. If statistically 40% of the 49,000 Florida registrants experienced
harassment or vigilantism, then it can be safely assumed a correlation between the email alert program
and vigilantism exists.
Revisiting Smith v. Doe
The gist of Smith v. Doe was the weighing of public safety over individual rights coupled with the
declaration that sex offenders have high recidivism rates, thus posing an imminent threat to society as a
whole: “The risk or recidivism posed by sex offenders is ‘frightening and high [39]’.” However, in making
this assumption, the US Supreme Court erred by relying on a myth to justify upholding this law [40]. In
addition, in light of research on the negative consequences of the laws after the Smith v. Doe case, the
argument the laws are not punitive cannot hold up to the assertion that the severe negative
consequences of the laws indeed make them punitive by nature. Also, the lack of effectiveness of the laws
counters any appeal to legitimate governmental interest of the registries [41].
There have been a number of lower court rulings since the Smith v. Doe case to warrant a review of the
landmark ruling. Lower court rulings have determined that the negative effects of these laws are “grave”
and pose significant barriers to reintegration and rehabilitation, and puts registrants at high risk for
vigilantism [42]. Though legislatures claim the intent of the law is not to punish the offender, courts have
determined the effects of the laws deemed the laws to be punitive [43], and determined the registration of
certain offenders violated ex post facto [44]. In addition, provisions of the registry under the Adam Walsh
Act relating to offenders moving to other states have been declared unconstitutional and an
encroachment of federal control over the states [45]. In regards to juvenile offenders, a court has ruled
against harsh provisions treating juvenile offenders of certain crimes register as adult sex offenders
violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment [46].
Summary
Sex offender registries are very popular with the public, at least at first glance. However, there have been
a number of unintentional and negative consequences of the law, including perpetuating sex offender
stereotypes and myths, promoting moral or “predator panic,” promoting vigilantism, deters reporting of
certain sex crimes, and creates barriers to successful reintegration and rehabilitation. To date, no study
has found evidence Megan’s Law acts as a deterrent, and may even be counterproductive to reducing
criminal sexual behavior. With that revelation, proponents of the law have shifted from emphasizing the
deterrent effect to the information benefit. However, stats show even that argument is difficult to justify.
Furthermore, the low number of individuals regularly visiting registries coupled with a high incidence of
vigilantism against registrants and their loved ones suggest a very strong correlation between registry use
and vigilante violence and harassment. Finally, the US Supreme Court had erred in the Smith v. Doe
decision, largely as a result of myth reliance and lack of proof to the punitive nature of the laws. However,
after years of the existence of these laws, the negative and punitive consequences have become evident
through research and the courts, and a stronger case for reversing the old Smith v. Doe decision can be
made.
References
Derek “The Fallen One” Logue
February 9, 2009, ADDENDUM 8/30/09
Introduction
Since its inception, the public registry for sex offenders [a.k.a., “Megan’s Law] has become a mainstay in
our society. Proponents of this law claim many benefits, such as the availability of sex offender information
to make informed decisions, promoting public safety, and lowering recidivism by increased vigilance. In
2003 even the US Supreme Court claimed registries were constitutional. However, in light of new evidence
of both the overall ineffectiveness and the negative consequences of the registries, including propagating
myths, social ostracism, barriers to rehabilitation, and even vigilantism, the notion of public registries
should be revisited, including in court. (For the sake of brevity, since community notification is always
coupled with the public registry, all references to the registry should be assumed to apply to community
notification as well).
A Very Concise History of Megan’s Law
“If I had known that there was a pedophile living on our street, my daughter would be alive today.” –
Maureen Kanka
The concept of a public registry was founded on the “If Only” principle – The rationale is “If only we had
known a sex offender was living down the street, this tragedy would not have happened." In 1994, ninety-
four days after the murder of 7 year old Megan Kanka, New Jersey passed the first public registry law (the
Jacob Wetterling Act, the federal registry, was not public). Two years later, in 1996, President Clinton
signed the National public registry into law, which also included community notification [1]. At first, there
was a lot of resistance to these laws on the basis of constitutional rights, but today those sentiments have
changed greatly; today people claim it is not enough and demand more restrictive laws [2]. Some lower
courts had ruled the public registries indeed violate constitutional rights [3] ; however, the US Supreme
Court upheld the public registry in Smith v. Doe in a 6-3 decision, claiming the registry was regulatory and
not punitive, and thus does not violate ex post facto. The three dissenters rightfully noted the registry is
indeed punitive [4]. In the same year, the US Supreme Court also ruled that registries do not violate
procedural due process, but did not rule on substantive due process [5].
The 2003 rulings of the US Supreme Court have justified increased restrictions of every kind, and the High
Court has only made one ruling since then against any measure aimed at sex offenders, the 2008
Kennedy v. Louisiana decision, which banned the death penalty for child rape where no murder was
involved [6]. The Kennedy decision was heavily criticized by both Barack Obama and John McCain, who
were both running for President at the time [7], and a failed move to overturn the law was pushed by 85
House Republicans and the governors of Missouri and Louisiana [8].
Impact and Consequences of Megan’s Law
Proponents of Megan’s Law have long argued the law as an effective tool to protect themselves from
convicted sex offenders. However, research has discovered a myriad of problems with the law itself which
counter any claims of effectiveness of the law. Below are some of the major problems with registry laws.
Perpetuating Stereotypes:
It comes as little surprise registry laws have helped perpetuate many of the myths the general public
believes about those who commit sexual offenses, including stranger-danger, high recidivism rates of sex
offenders, the view everyone on the registry are of equally high risk, and believe treatment is ineffective
for reducing recidivism, which of course, fuels the public perceptions registries are needed [9]. Despite
our best efforts to counter the myths [10], a visit to any blog, forum, or chatroom where sex offender laws
are being discussed will provide evidence that the majority of individuals still hold fast to these beliefs.
Predator/ Moral Panic:
Predator Panic the result of disproportionate media sensationalism and political crusading over the very
rare occurrence of brutal sex crimes in this country [11]. Studies have shown that the media over-reported
sex crimes up to 14 times the level of actual incidence, and present their reports in ways that inspire more
fear of sex crimes than any other crime including homicide [12]. Predator panic has become so
widespread it has even impacted the view that all men, not just those on the registries, are potential
predators. Fear of accusations is so deep, businesses such as airlines and coaches at school have
instituted policies to never allow men alone with a child [13]. As a consequence, fewer men are working or
volunteering at child-oriented businesses or even to stop to help a distressed child at the mall, because,
as one man put it, “Being male, I am guilty till proven innocent [14].” Predator panic can even result in loss
of property values of homes around the residence of a registrant by an average of four percent [15].
Thus, evidence Megan’s Law and Predator Panic continually feed off each other has become more
evident over the years.
Promotes Vigilantism:
As of Sept. 2007, eAdvocate lists 112 murdered individuals known to have been murdered due to sex
crime accusations or convictions [16]. The most notorious acts against registrants were the double
murders in Washington in September 2005 and the double murders in Maine in April 2006; both murders
were linked directly to their listings on the online registry [17]. In addition to murder, a significant number
of registrants, as well as loved ones of the registrant, have experienced different forms of vigilantism.
“Nearly half of the offenders reported experiencing threats, property damage, or physical assault as a
result of public disclosure [18].” In addition, almost half of people living with the registrant reported being
threatened or harassed by neighbors, 27% had their property damaged, and 7% said they were physically
assaulted by someone as a result of notification [19]. Furthermore, strong evidence has shown that the
information typically contained on the registries compel readers to behave in a “less than responsible”
manner [20].
May Deter Reporting of Sex Crimes:
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, only 6.7% of the victims under age 18 and 34.4% of the
victims over 18 were attacked by strangers [21], so the shaming effect of the registry is believed to deter
some victims who know his or her offender from reporting the crime [22]. Registries may lead to the
identification of the victim, and may not report the crime because of the impact on the family [23].
Creates Barriers to Rehabilitation and Reintegration:
“Although these laws were passed as a means to decrease recidivism and promote public safety, the
resulting stigmatization of sex offenders is likely to result in disruption of their relationships, loss of or
difficulties finding jobs, difficulties finding housing, and decreased psychological well-being, all factors that
could increase their risk of recidivism [24].” Researchers generally agree that stability in post-release life
of the former offender greatly impacts recidivism, and by creating such a malevolent environment towards
those on the registry, registries interfere with successful reintegration and rehabilitation. Indeed,
registrants have report stress, isolation, disruption to social relationships, fear for one’s safety, shame and
embarrassment, and hopelessness. Furthermore, as the result of these barriers, registrants are far more
likely to live in poorer neighborhoods with higher crime rates, placing even more barriers to the
rehabilitation process [25]. At the core of this argument is the impact of the “labeling effect,” more
specifically, “disintegrative shaming,” the criminological theory in which a former offender is prevented
from reintegrating and reconnecting to society and may in response commit subsequent offenses [26].
The detrimental impact can be greater among those socially stigmatized as sexual deviants at an earlier
age, as youth tend to be more impressionable and reactive to the negative effects of these laws [27]. The
Adam Walsh Act allows youth as young as age 14 to be listed on the public registries.
Effectiveness of Megan’s Law Questioned
Until recently, there has been little in the way of research on the impact of sex offender registries on the
prevention of sex crimes. Some early studies failed to find any significant declines in re-arrest rates for
both sex specific and in crimes in general among registrants[28]. A 2006 study on the registries found
that the laws were created more on “assumptions” than on factual information. The study found no
evidence Megan’s Law reduces recidivism, use registries to find other offenders to be partners in crime,
gives a false sense of security, promotes myths about the nature of sex crimes, and possibly deter intra-
familial offenses from being reported. Furthermore, vigilantism against registrants was highly under-
reported and under-recorded [29].
Two studies released at the beginning of 2009 reinforce the earlier findings of the impact of Megan’s Law.
New Jersey Study—“Megan’s Law: Assessing the Practical and Monetary Efficacy [30] ”
The first study making considerable headlines is the New Jersey study released to the public around the
first of February, 2009. This study failed to link Megan’s Law with reducing sex crime rates, as crime
trends were already on the decline when Megan’s Law took effect, and the decline could possibly be
attributed to other cultural trends. The study also failed to find any impact on reducing sex crimes among
convicted offenders or even first time offenders, nor in reducing the number of victims involved in sexual
offenses. Costs associated with the initial implementation as well as ongoing expenditures continue to
grow over time. Start up costs totaled $555,565 and current costs (in 2007) totaled approximately 3.9
million dollars for the responding counties. Given the lack of demonstrated effect of Megan’s Law on
sexual offenses, the growing costs may not be justifiable.
It is interesting to note that Maureen Kanka was reported by reliable sources to have tried to have the
research article suppressed [31], so it came as no surprise when she criticized the study and made the
claim Megan’s Law is not intended to change the behavior of sex criminals [32].
New York Study—“Does a Watched Pot Boil? A Time-Series Analysis of New York State’s Sex Offender
Registration and Notification Law [33]
Perhaps a more damning study was recently published by the American Psychological Association in
November 2008. In the introduction to the study, the researchers noted the media sensationalizes sex
crime stories in more fearful ways than any other crime types, and the myths that perpetuate the support
of such laws. It also noted a 2005 study that found out of 10 states, six reported no change in sex crime
rates, three reported decreases, and one reported a sharp increase [34].
The New York Study found no changes in the sex crime rates of either convicted sex offenders or first time
offenders before or after registry laws were passed in New York. Furthermore the study found 95.9% of
rape arrests and 94.1% of child molestation arrests were of first time offenders, meaning people not on
the registry [35]. The study concludes more resources should be used on prevention programs and not
to rely on this ineffective measure which may discourage reporting abuse among those the victim knows,
as well as giving people a false sense of security.
Registries “Not Intended to Reduce Recidivism,” Intent is “Increase Awareness:"
In response to the New Jersey study debunking the deterrent effects of Megan’s Law, Maureen Kanka
claimed the intent was not to “alter the behavior of sex offenders,” but to “provide an awareness to the
public [36].” Many articles cast doubt on the efficacy of that argument as well. In a 2005 Gallup Poll taken
just after the Jessica Lunsford tragedy hit the media, only 38% of individuals were even aware their state
even maintains a registry. Even though 94% of those polled favored registries, only 23% have ever
checked the registry, while 34% stated concerns over harassment and vigilantism as a result of the
registry [37]. When the state of Florida proposed cutting e-mail notification alerts in 2008 due to budget
cuts, it was noted only 44,000 of the state’s 16 million residents (or 0.275%) signed up for the program
[38], or roughly one signee per registrant. If statistically 40% of the 49,000 Florida registrants experienced
harassment or vigilantism, then it can be safely assumed a correlation between the email alert program
and vigilantism exists.
Revisiting Smith v. Doe
The gist of Smith v. Doe was the weighing of public safety over individual rights coupled with the
declaration that sex offenders have high recidivism rates, thus posing an imminent threat to society as a
whole: “The risk or recidivism posed by sex offenders is ‘frightening and high [39]’.” However, in making
this assumption, the US Supreme Court erred by relying on a myth to justify upholding this law [40]. In
addition, in light of research on the negative consequences of the laws after the Smith v. Doe case, the
argument the laws are not punitive cannot hold up to the assertion that the severe negative
consequences of the laws indeed make them punitive by nature. Also, the lack of effectiveness of the laws
counters any appeal to legitimate governmental interest of the registries [41].
There have been a number of lower court rulings since the Smith v. Doe case to warrant a review of the
landmark ruling. Lower court rulings have determined that the negative effects of these laws are “grave”
and pose significant barriers to reintegration and rehabilitation, and puts registrants at high risk for
vigilantism [42]. Though legislatures claim the intent of the law is not to punish the offender, courts have
determined the effects of the laws deemed the laws to be punitive [43], and determined the registration of
certain offenders violated ex post facto [44]. In addition, provisions of the registry under the Adam Walsh
Act relating to offenders moving to other states have been declared unconstitutional and an
encroachment of federal control over the states [45]. In regards to juvenile offenders, a court has ruled
against harsh provisions treating juvenile offenders of certain crimes register as adult sex offenders
violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment [46].
Summary
Sex offender registries are very popular with the public, at least at first glance. However, there have been
a number of unintentional and negative consequences of the law, including perpetuating sex offender
stereotypes and myths, promoting moral or “predator panic,” promoting vigilantism, deters reporting of
certain sex crimes, and creates barriers to successful reintegration and rehabilitation. To date, no study
has found evidence Megan’s Law acts as a deterrent, and may even be counterproductive to reducing
criminal sexual behavior. With that revelation, proponents of the law have shifted from emphasizing the
deterrent effect to the information benefit. However, stats show even that argument is difficult to justify.
Furthermore, the low number of individuals regularly visiting registries coupled with a high incidence of
vigilantism against registrants and their loved ones suggest a very strong correlation between registry use
and vigilante violence and harassment. Finally, the US Supreme Court had erred in the Smith v. Doe
decision, largely as a result of myth reliance and lack of proof to the punitive nature of the laws. However,
after years of the existence of these laws, the negative and punitive consequences have become evident
through research and the courts, and a stronger case for reversing the old Smith v. Doe decision can be
made.
References
- Paul Mickel, “1997: Justice For Megan.” The Trentonian, http://capitalcentury.com/1997.html,
Retrieved Feb. 9, 2008 - Patty Wetterling, “Patty Wetterling: The Harm in Sex Offender Laws.” The Sacramento Bee, Sept.
14, 2007, http://www.sacbee.com/110/v-print/story/377462.html, Retrieved April 12, 2008 - State of Hawaii v. Eto Bani, Case No. 22196 [Sup. Ct. Hawaii Nov. 21, 2001], see http://pub.bna.
com/cl/22196.htm; Doe v. Otte, 259 F. 3d 979 [9th Cir. 2001] - Smith v. Doe, 538 US 84 [2003]
- Connecticut Dept. of Public Safety v. Doe, 538 US 1 [2003]
- Kennedy v. Louisiana, 554 US ___ [2008], http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/07pdf/07-343.
pdf - “Kennedy v. Louisiana.” The New York Sun, June 26, 2008. http://www.nysun.
com/editorials/kennedy-v-louisiana/80750/, Retrieved Feb. 10, 2009 - David Stout, “Justices asked to Reconsider.” New York Times, http://www.nytimes.
com/2008/07/11/washington/11brfs-JUSTICESAREA_BRF.html?_r=1, Retrieved Feb. 10, 2009 - Jill S. Levenson, Yolanda N. Brannon, Timothy Fortney, and Juanita Baker, “Public Perceptions
About Sex Offenders and Community Protection Policies.” Analyses of Social Issues and Public
Policy, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2007 - Derek Logue, “Sex Offender Myths: The Foundation of Sex Offender Laws.” Once Fallen, Oct. 15,
2008, http://www.oncefallen.com/SOMyths.html - Kristen M. Zgoba, “Spin Doctors and Moral Crusaders: The Moral Panic behind Child Safety
Legislation.” Criminal Justice Studies, Vol. 17, No. 4, Dec. 2004 - Jeffrey C. Sandler, Naomi J. Freeman, and Kelly M. Socia, “Does a Watched Pot Boil? A Time-
Series Analysis of New York State’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Law.” Psychology,
Public Policy, and Law, Vol. 14, No. 4, Nov. 2008. Pp. 284-285. - Jeff Zaslow, “Are We Teaching Kids to Fear Men?” Wall Street Journal, Aug. 23, 2007. http://online.
wsj.com/article/SB118782905698506010.html - Anne Hart, “Men: guilty till proven innocent.” Savannah Now, Sept. 15, 2007, http://savannahnow.
com//node/360206, Retrieved Feb. 19, 2008 - Leigh L. Linden and Jonah E. Rockoff, “There Goes The Neighborhood? Estimates of the Impact of
Crime Risk on Property Values fro Megan’s Laws.” NBER Working Paper No. 12253, May 2006
Revised April 2007, http://www.nber.org/papers/w12553 - eAdvocate, “Murdered in the Unit,ed States: Registered Sex Offenders & Others.” Sex Offender
Issues, News, Recidivism and Studies by a Voice of Reason, Oct. 27, 2009. http:
//sexoffenderresearch.blogspot.com/2007/10/murdered-in-united-states-registered.html, Retrieved
Feb. 8, 2009 - Gitika Ahuja, “Sex Offender Registries: Putting Lives at Risk?” ABC News, April 18, 2006, http:
//abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=1855771&page=1. Retrieved Feb. 8, 2009; “2 On Sex Registry
Murdered in Maine.” NewsNet5.com, April 17, 2006, http://www.newsnet5.com/news/8776457/detail.
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| ADDENDUM 8/30/09: New Study questions motivations for people to check the registries! http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/2/2/9/3/6/p229363_index.html Sex Offender Registries: Curiosity, not Caution, as a Motivation for Viewing Abstract: Sex-offender registries allow citizens to identify and monitor sex-offenders living in their communities yet little research exists regarding their usefulness. This research sought to identify participants’ attitudes toward sex-offenders and motives for accessing registries. Attitudes were assessed using Altemeyer's Right Wing Authoritarianism scale and an original scale developed to assess attitudes regarding sex- offenders and the registry. Twenty-nine percent of participants reported having viewed a registry and mostly did so out of curiosity rather than out of fear or concern for safety. Authoritarians were found to be more favorable toward sex-offender registries and had a greater belief in their effectiveness. APA Citation: Jones, C. A. and Harrington, E. , 2008-03-05 "Sex Offender Registries: Curiosity, not Caution, as a Motivation for Viewing" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychology - Law Society, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville, FL <Not Available>. 2009-05-23 from http://www. allacademic.com/meta/p229363_index.html |