NCJ Number
101472
Date Published
1986
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The author argues that castration (removal of the testicles) is the most effective means of reducing recidivism among sex offenders.
Abstract
He maintains that castration, which eliminates the libido and sexual potency, has been used for the past 50 years in nine European countries and that the recidivism rate for 3,186 sex offenders in six of these countries over 37 years was only 2.2 percent. He reviews the disadvantages of castration -- irreversible sterility, a redistribution of fat to the breasts and hips, a high-pitched voice if performed before age 21, and marital problems. Also, he concedes, castration has not been effective in modifying the behavior of psychopaths, schizophrenics, the mentally retarded, and epileptics. He claims castration for sex offenders is opposed due largely to the potential for its abuse and religious prohibitions against sterilization in Jewish and Catholic law. 22 references.