Unintended Consequences of Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and Chemical Castration: A Systematic Review

• In Event: Oppression of Dangerous Offenders

Abstract

Sex offenders are one of the most detested, feared, and frequently discussed types of criminals in the United States. Today, all 50 states have enacted sex crime laws as a means to protect the community from victimization. The most common, yet the most controversial legislation and policy concerning sex offenders is the "Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) of 2006" and chemical castration. Despite these punitive legal efforts to control and prevent sexual recidivism, research indicates these laws violate their constitutional rights, and are ineffective in their rehabilitation. This current study is a systematic review that explores the lack of empirical evidence to support sex offender registration and chemical castration. Potential policy implications are further discussed.

Authors

• Chunrye Kim, CUNY Graduate Center / John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Jisun Choi, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Mijin Kim, CUNY Graduate Center / John Jay College of Criminal Justice