CRIM 316 Chapter 7: CRIM 316 Chapter 7
17 Jan 2019
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Document Summary
Historical portrayal of sex offender policy in u. s. Traditional media have had long-standing fascination w/ crimes of sexual nature. Documented waves of intense attention given to topic over last century. In turn, coverage argued to have shaped contemporary sex offender policymaking in u. s. Scholars have identified 3 critical stages spanning several decades. Decade of the sex offender - 1990s. Addressing crime became central focus of political & legal debates. Plethora of new reforms emerged during time period. Punitive measures built around assumption that rehab had failed & fundamentally tougher approach alight w/ punitive goals was needed. Media portrayal of sex offenders & all offenders presumed to have affected policies by perpetuating misperceptions about them. Image of predatory & recidivist stranger rapist popularized during 1980s & viewed as rationale for development of tough on crime initiatives. Being soft on crime seen as ineffective crime policy & dimmed public confidence.
