I’m sure most of you are familiar with Megan’s Law. If not, Megan’s Law requires convicted sex offenders to register for a website that the public can view. The website offers a way to know if a sex offender is living in your area. Megan’s law was enacted in response to the rape and murder a little girl in New Jersey. Megan was killed by a neighbor who was a convicted sex offender. Megan’s parents argued that if they had known the neighbor was a convicted sex offender, they would have told Megan not to interact with that man. At first glance, this law seems to be a great tool for parents to use to protect their children. However, Megan’s law has sparked much debate.
Proponents of Megan’s law state that the law is necessary to protect children. The law works in the way that it creates awareness. Parents can look on a Megan’s law website and find a list of convicted sex offenders in their area. The parent can then see a picture of the individual, his or her address and the crime he or she committed. For me, this law is a no-brainer. The law was obviously enacted to protect children, minors who can not make legal decisions for themselves.
Those opposed to Megan’s law state that the law violates the rights of sex offenders. People with this view are more concerned with due process rights than the safety of citizens. They argue that sex offenders’ lives are ruined upon release from prison and registration with this website. I do not feel sorry for sex offenders. What about the life of the victim that is forever changed? I’m sorry Mr. Sex Offender, but you made a bad decision and now you have to pay the price. The safety of children is more important than the rights of convicted sex offenders.
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I agree with you, I don't feel sorry for sex offenders EXCEPT- see the post above yours with the reference to sexting. There are some harsh circumstances regarding age of consent that force certain people to accept legal consequences. I'm not talking about Roman Polanski, I'm talking about a 19 year old boy and a 15 year old girl, let's say. Even if she consents to sex, he's labeled a sex offender under the law. Now I feel a tiny bit bad for him.
ReplyDeleteThe violation of sex offenders is what legislators are concerned about? What has this world come to? I actually am from the area in New Jersey in which Megan's death took place. I personally know Megan Kanka's family,and the pain that family will endure for the rest of their life is incomprehensible to that disgusting sex offender who decided to assault an innocent victim. I have no pity for sex offenders who commit heinous crimes against children. You commit the crime, you pay the price.
ReplyDelete"In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous." This is a quote from the opener of one of my favorite shows, "Law and Order: SVU". I agree with the statement and Megan's Law in that sex offenders should have a special extra punishment, like registering as a sex offender. However, prosecuting a 17 year old girl who sent pictures of herself to a boy (when she has free will) as a sex offender is outrageous. She isn't some pervert on "To Catch a Predator", it's a 17 year old girl that didn't know the consequence of her action. She in no way exploited anyone and should not be labeled as a sex offender.
ReplyDeleteI agree with megan's law and the sanctions it imposes. When an individual engages in behavior as such, it is likely that they will not learn from their mistakes or change their perspectives. If an individual has the capacity to commit such a heinous act, they will surely do it again. Therefore I feel that the sanctions imposed by Megan's law are justified. These people have serious mental problems and the public should be aware if a registered sex offender is in their community, on their street, or even next door. Megan's law is definitely necessary for the safety of the population.
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