Legislation Targeting Sex Offenders: Are Recent Policies Effective in Reducing Rape?

• NCJ Number: 241713
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 29 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2012 Pages: 858-887
• Author(s): Alissa R. Ackerman; Meghan Sacks; David F. Greenberg
• Date Published: December 2012
• Length: 30 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined whether the adoption of new restrictions on convicted sex offenders had an effect on the incidence of rape.

Abstract

In recent years, several pieces of State and Federal legislation have imposed new restrictions on convicted sex offenders, including registration with law enforcement agencies, community notification provisions, and sexually violent predator designations permitting civil commitment following a prison sentence. This paper uses panel data for the American States for the years 1970-2002 to assess the impact of these policies on the rate at which rapes occur. This research finds no evidence that the current policies reduce the incidence of rape. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.