Castration of Sexual Offenders

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that surgical castration involves either the physical removal of the testes in order to reduce or eliminate testosterone production in the male body ot chemical castration, which is more popular and less invasive and which employs specific chemicals designed to halt testosterone production. The author points out that the literature suggests that, although the public may favor castration, authorities in corrections, the law and the sciences are not convinced that castration is, or even could be, an effective deterrent to sexual offenses. The paper concludes that extensive research is needed to investigate the extent to which castration of sex offenders is a violation of basic human rights and of the basic freedoms of the United States Bill of Rights.

Table of Content:
Introduction: Castration as Control of Sexual Offenders
Literature Review
Conclusions, Summary and Recommendations

From the Paper:

"Some see castration as an easy fix to a terrible and complicated problem. Russell (1997) explains that the general public in Western nations has been increasingly discouraged with the ability of the existing correctional institutions to contain and control the actions of sexual predators. Given that the existing prison systems don't seem to be effectively working to reduce the rates of recidivism or even to act as a deterrent to future sexual offenders, many challenge that more extreme measures need to be taken in order to make society safe from sexual offenders. While some question the ethics of sexual castration, it is gaining popularity and momentum in a number of modern and developing nations. Already internationally, a number of Western nations have adopted sexual castration in some instances."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alexander, M., Gunn, J., Cook, D.A.G., Taylor, P.J. & Finch, J. (1993, September 25). Should a sexual offender be allowed castration? British Medical Journal, 307(6907), pp. 790-793.
• Berlin, F.S. (1994, May). The case for castration, part 2. Washington Monthly, 26(5), pp. 28-29.
• Brienza, J. (1997, January). California castration law greeted with skepticism. Trial, 33(1), pp. 16-18.
• Decisions, decisions. (1983, December 26). The New Republic, 189, pp. 4-5.
• Lacayo, R. (1992, March 23). Sentences inscribed on flesh. Time, 139(12), pp. 54-55.

More papers on Castration of Sexual Offenders:

• Essay # 27617 : "Chemical Castration for Sexual Offenders"
• Essay # 69842 : "Chemical Castration Law"
• Research Paper # 26504 : "Pharmacological Treatment for Paraphilias"

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