Abstract This paper presents a review of legal issues surrounding a chemical castration law for the state of California. It looks at the design of the law as a measure to protect children from sexual offenders. The paper looks at current methods of chemical castration, the vagueness of the law and the question of whether chemical castration is a treatment or punishment.
From the Paper "Today as it tries to deal with the reality of the sexual abuse of children within its borders the state of California is faced with a quandary. On the one hand the sexual abuse of children is an appalling fact that devastates thousands ..."
Abstract 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."
Tags: recidivism, europe, chemical, rights, research
Abstract 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."
Abstract This paper argues that chemical castration is a viable, cost-effective option that ought to be given more consideration in dealing with sex offenders in our society. Chemical castration is a treatment-based approach and is most suitable for convicted sex offenders who also receive receive psychotherapy and behavior modification treatment. Various chemical methods are described in this paper, such as CPAs, MPAs and SSRIs.
From the Paper "Chemical castration is a relatively new treatment method for altering the deviant behaviors of convicted sex offenders. In the United States, this method has been employed since the 1960s and has been enshrouded with controversy since its inception. Many Americans remain divided on this issue for a variety of reasons, a few of which include its effectiveness, potential side effects stemming from the use of pharmacological agents, humane concerns, lack of research and conclusive findings, and disapproval for releasing sex offenders back into society. However, chemical castration shows potential as being a very viable option to be used in conjunction with other treatment methods (e.g.- psychotherapy and behavior modification), and deserves to not be discounted prematurely. As with any new treatment approach, longitudinal research and findings require ample time and funding to produce conclusive results, and in the least, chemical castration appears promising enough to warrant further studies before being excluded."
Abstract Discusses use of hormone therapy, or chemical castration, as an effective treatment program for recidivist sex offenders. Describes how hormone therapy works. States that permit its use. Controversy over the treatment regarding medical risks and Constitutional issues. Research studies conducted on effectiveness. Need for psychological therapy Need for future research studies.
From the Paper "For many years, the U.S. has sought to eliminate sexual offenses by treating sexual offenders with various methods such as behavioral modification therapy, relapse prevention and cognitive reconditioning (?Review of the research literature,? 2001, p. 5). Since 1981, with the discovery of the effectiveness of specific hormones in reducing testosterone levels in human beings (Berlin & Meinecke, 1981), hormone therapy, known as chemical castration, has been tested extensively on sex offenders. Essentially, the objective of administering these drugs is to reduce the blood serum testosterone levels and lead to a concomitant decrease in sexual arousal and sexual preoccupations. The drugs work by acting on the hypothalamus..."
Abstract Argues that this is not a cure-all treatment & should not be used for all sex offenders. How chemical castration (Depo Provera) works in treating paraphiliacs, but is not effective for the majority of sex offenders. Cites several reasons against chemical castration including danger of releasing sex offenders taking Depo Provera; infringement on Constitutional rights.
From the Paper "Chemical castration for sex offenders is a punishment that is rapidly gaining in popularity in the U.S., but does its effectiveness justify the violation of the rights of those treated with it? While chemical castration has been found to be effective in treating one type of sexual offender, chemical castration laws are calling for such treatments to be performed on all types of sexual offenders. The evidence indicates that the limited benefits of chemical castration are outweighed by the significant infringements of rights against those it will not help and the false sense of security that it provides.
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..."
Abstract This research paper argues that chemical castration is a viable option as punishment for convicted sex offenders.
From the Paper "In considering the issue of chemical castration, a person may ask why sex offenders act the way they do, and if chemical castration is the answer to the problem of sexual predation of children. Opponents of chemical castration such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) believe that chemical castration may not be the answer to the molestation and sexual abuse of children in our society. They claim that the predators? behavior is not necessarily tied to hormonal levels, but instead, the behavior is driven by a need for power and control. "
Tags: sex, offenders, molestation, sodomy, DepoProvera, human, rights
From the Paper " This paper is an argument in favor of the use of chemical castration as a means of dealing with male sex offenders, especially pedophiles. Since the early 1980s, scientists and the courts have experimented with a method of inhibiting the testosterone levels of convicted rapists, using injections of medroxyprogesterone acetate, commonly known as Depo-Provera. Developed for women to control excessive menstrual bleeding and regulate contraception, Depo-Provera has been used in men to reduce aggressive tendencies and repress the sex drive. Although a controversial technique, this form of treatment is reversible, unlike physical castration, and some courts have been willing to consider it as an option in repeat cases; California became the first state in the nation to mandate this treatment as a condition of parole for repeat child molesters. This paper.."
Abstract This paper discusses various religion's traditional rites of passage for girls to womanhood. The paper explores the significance of Quinceanera in relation to the three other rite of passage ceremonies practiced: Confirmation, Bat Mitzvah and Female Castration. These ceremonies are outlined and are explained as all being a part of the modern world and all marking the change in a young girl's life to that of a woman.
From the Paper "Virtually all cultures throughout human history have maintained a tradition of rites of passage by which life is divided into sections / stages. Traditionally, there are three primary stages that are celebrated in an individual's life in most of these cultures: birth, puberty, and death. Cultures, nations, religions, and regions all maintain norms of rites of passage that though follow the same biological patterns, are somewhat different in their intent. Women's rites of passage are of significant importance throughout much of the world and are at their most significant when celebrating the rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood."
Abstract This paper examines the mechanisms of three pharmacological agents (MPA, CPA, and LHRH agonists) for paraphilias and their effectiveness as well as an overview of paraphilias. It explains that the high rate of overlap among paraphilias suggests that the cause of various types of paraphilias might be the same. MPA, CPA and LHRH agonists appear to be very effective although they do not cure paraphilias. Ethical issues of pharmacological approaches (chemical castration) and a discussion about methodology of studies for these drugs are also provided.
From the Paper "People in the United States have been increasingly interested in pharmacological treatment of paraphilias or sexually deviant behaviors especially since several states passed so-called ?chemical castration laws,? following the case of Kansas v. Hendricks in 1997. These laws are capable of allowing or even requiring sexual offenders to be treated with medication in order to reduce their urges to commit sexual offenses (Bradford & McDonald, 2000). In the United States, only medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is currently approved as treatment for sex offenders, while cyproterone acetate (CPA) is mainly used in Western Europe (Bradford & McDonald, 2000; Gijs & Gooren, 1996; Keagan, 2001; Nelson, 2000). In fact, these two drugs are primarily used to treat atypical sexual behaviors that are often considered to be attributed from paraphilias (Bradford & McDonald, 2000; Nelson, 2000; Oltmanns & Emery, 2001; Seligman & Hardenburg, 2000). Furthermore, some other drugs such as specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists have drown researchers? attention as promising pharmacological therapeutic agents for paraphilias (Bradford & McDonald, 2000; Keegan, 2001;)."
Abstract This paper discusses how libido becomes invested in learning according to Klein and critically assesses her account. Four of the five subjects from Klein' study are used to demonstrate the impact that their castration fear and sexual symbolic meanings, as depicted by Klein, have on the child's ability to adapt to school and the tasks which they are to perform there. It concludes that the libido becomes invested in learning according to Klein through the role of sublimation.
From the Paper "In her paper 'The Role Of The School In The Libidinal Development Of Children' (1924: 312-331), Melanie Klien claims that through psychoanalysis she discovered that her five subjects (Felix, Fritz, Grete, Ernst and Lisa) expressed an aversion to school and the tasks that would be undertaken whilst in attendance. Klein attributed this aversion to the castration fear. To the children, school presented as a rigid, strict environment, completely dissimilar to the feminine, nurturing environment provided by the mother at home. This created anxiety for the child and unlocking their unconscious revealed the extent to which sublimated libidinal instincts influenced this aversion (1924: 312). "
Abstract The paper maintains that the radical feminist critique in general is valuable, since it emphasizes the sexist nature of Freud theories. The same critique points out the assumption in his work that the woman is to be evaluated on the basis of a male standard. Furthermore, the paper shows how this critique highlights the fact that according to Freud, female sexual identity originates in castration so that a woman is viewed as no more than a castrated male.
This paper explores the portrayal of female figures in art and myth, focusing on the Medusa myth and the castrating power of the female gaze and their effect of the female self-image.
Abstract The paper reviews in detail the image of Medusa that pits femininity and masculinity against each other and allowing masculinity to triumph. The paper continues by stating that the gaze of the painted female subject often is depicted with her eyes either diverted from the viewer, or coyly regarding him. The author states that myths like the Medusa myth and the female gaze instruct women that their sexuality is something to be suppressed, that a powerful woman is a dangerous woman, and that the male will triumph in the end.
From the Paper "Though the familiar image of Medusa as a serpent-haired monster is attributed to the Greeks, the myth of Medusa actually has its roots in pre-classical Mediterranean culture. In the matriarchal societies that existed before Greek civilization, Medusa was far from reviled as she was by the Greeks; instead, she was worshipped as a beautiful mother deity who symbolized wisdom, fertility, and female power. With the advent of Greek civilization, the existing gynocentric religion and mythology were compelled to adapt to the new patriarchal value system."
From the Paper "Does the state have the right to impose chemical castration as an acceptable punishment for sex offenders--as an alternative to imprisonment--or does castration fail to address aggression as an underlying motive for sex offenses? Is chemical castration an inhumane form of punishment, or is it preferable to surgical castration?
I. Chemical castration, a brief explanation
A. Type of drugs available.
B. Effects of chemical castration, both chemical and surgical.
C. Two problems associated with chemical castration
