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 ..."

Tags:chemical, castration

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
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."

Tags:crime, jail, penitentiary, rape, pedophilia

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
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."

Tags:punishment, parole, paraphiliacs, depo, provera, psychopaths

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
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

Abstract
This chapter examines the background of the phenomena of pedophilia, the rationale and purposes of the study, along with the research hypothesis used to conduct the study.

Tags:pedophiles, castration, criminal

Tags:pedophilia, florida, denmark, incarceration