Chemical Castration for Sexual Offenders

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the different chemical castration laws that call for such treatment on sexual offenders. It also looks the effectiveness of castration on different types of sexual offenders and the benefits of this treatment in reducing recidivism rates. The paper analyzes the danger of creating a false sense of security by relying solely on this treatment. It also discusses the infringement of offenders' constitutional rights by castration.

From the Paper:

"Chemical castration is becoming a popular "get tough" measure against sex offenders that is gaining popularity across the country. In 1996 California became the first state to enact a chemical castration law, and in 1997 three other states followed their lead. Under the California statute chemical castration is mandated for all paroled two-time sex offenders, and within the judge or parole board's discretion for first time offenders. "It will now be possible for judges in chemical castration jurisdictions to condition probation on the convict accepting chemical castration" (Meisenkothen 141). This widespread injection of the chemical castration treatment into the criminal justice system before the effectiveness and weaknesses of the treatment are fully understood is a mistake."

More papers on Chemical Castration for Sexual Offenders:

• Essay # 69842 : "Chemical Castration Law"
• Research Paper # 26504 : "Pharmacological Treatment for Paraphilias"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: