The Effect of Megan's Law on Sex Offender Reintegration
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-2005
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to better understand the positive and negative, intended and unintended, consequences of community notification on sex offenders' rehabilitation and reintegration. A sample of 183 convicted male sex offenders from Florida completed the survey. Overall, about one third of participants had experienced dire events, such as the loss of a job or home, threats or harassment, or property damage. Physical assaultwas a relatively rare occurrence. The majority identified negative effects, such as stress, isolation, loss of relationships, fear, shame, embarrassment, and hopelessness. Some participants noted positive effects of Megan's Law, including motivation to prevent reoffense and increased honesty with friends and family. Fewsex offenders believed that communities are safer because of Megan's Law, and more than half reported that the information posted about them on Florida's Internet registry was incorrect. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
Publication
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Volume
21
Issue
1
Pages
49-66
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Recommended Citation
Levenson, J. S., & Cotter, L. P. (2005). The effect of Megan's law on sex offender reintegration. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 21(1), 49–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043986204271676
