NCJ Number
180135
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: October 1999 Pages: 305-315
Editor(s)
Barry M. Maletzky
Date Published
1999
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Forty-two midwestern trial judges responded to a survey designed to assess knowledge about sexual offenders; attitudes toward adjudication, sentencing, treatment, and release; and opinions regarding sexual offender-related legislation.
Abstract
Findings show that the judges held a variety of beliefs about the etiology and dynamics involved in sexual offending; these beliefs differ from those of most professionals in the field of sexual offender management; however, the judges accurately identified important issues related to victims and some myths about offenders. The importance of retribution and rehabilitation for sexual offenders was emphasized, and considerable support was shown for controversial legislative issues such as community notification, mandatory registration, and civil commitment of sexual predators. Of particular interest is the finding that, compared to other cases, sexual offense cases were rated by judges as more difficult over which to preside from a legal and technical perspective, a personal and emotional perspective, and the public scrutiny and public pressure involved. These issues, as well as judges' comments on current systemic and decision-making difficulties, are discussed in terms of the importance of judicial education programs and future research. 5 tables, 1 figure, and 7 references