Sex Offender Legislation and Public Perception: Cause for Concern or Simply a Media Diffusion of Moral Panic?

• In Event: Pushing the Panic Button: Societal Influences on the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

Throughout history, a continuous display of extreme sexual offenses in the media resulted in moral panics. In response to public demand, policy makers would create legislation to appease the public and promote safety. The war against the sex offender was declared by J. Edgar Hoover and continues to be present in legislation such as The Jacob Wetterling Act, Megan’s Law, The Pam Lyncher Act, Residency Restrictions, and The Adam Walsh Act. The following paper will examine the various waves of moral panic with regard to media presentation of sex offenders, public perception of sexual offenders, and the issues that arise from legislation based on extreme sexual offending.

Author

• Stacie Merken, Texas Christian University