ANSWERS: 1
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  • Megan's Law, which requires sex offender registration and public notification of such offenders, is on the books in all 50 states. Despite the law's popularity, a federal study and a prominent child protection advocate question its effectiveness.

    Identification

    Megan's Law is named for Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old child who was raped and murdered in 1994 by a convicted sex offender in her New Jersey neighborhood.

    Lack of Effects

    A 2008 study funded by the U.S. Department of Justice found that Megan's Law had no effect in reducing re-offenses by sex offenders. The study also questioned the growing costs associated with implementing the law, considering its lack of effect.

    Deceptive

    A 1998 report by The Roanoke Times in Virginia quoted a counselor as saying that Megan's Law may give politicians and the public a false sense of safety.

    Expert Insight

    Andrew Vachss, an author and attorney who specializes in child protection, argues that Megan's Law requires public notification about people who should not have been released from prison.

    Considerations

    Vachss points out that Megan's Law appears to assume that a sexual predator will rape and murder children, but not lie about his address.

    Source:

    Megan's Law: Assessing the Practical and Monetary Efficacy

    Megan's Law Deceptive

    Resource:

    Andrew Vachss Discusses Megan's Law in January 2009 Webcast

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