State Punitiveness and its Role in Sex Offender Policy

• In Event: Exploring the Collateral Consequences of Incarceration on Wellbeing

Abstract

The present study aims to explain why some states enact a law that would limit a person convicted of a sex offense access to long-term care. A dataset was created and is comprised of criminal justice policies, social and political state characteristics, and other justice related data. The study finds states with residency restriction and civil commitment laws have greater odds of adopting a long-term care/sex offender policy directed towards persons convicted of a sexual offense. Overall, the findings show that some states use legislation to extend the state’s formal social control onto aging individuals convicted of a sex crime who wish to seek residence in a long-term care facility.

Author

• Stephanie Jerstad, Millersville University