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Megan's Law Thesis

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Megan’s Law was a law that was passed by the New Jersey General Assembly right after the murder of Megan Kanka. This requires law enforcement to make data, like location of sex offenders accessible to public. Authorities will alert and notify residents of an incoming sexual offender when they move nearby. After the death of Megan, New Jersey residents were horrified and shocked as to how this could have happened. Assemblyman, Paul Kramer, took action and proposed Megan's Law to the New Jersey General Assembly which would be approved for a sex offender registry. Looking at this from society's point a view, this is a really beneficial step towards safety. However, current sexual offenders endure many hardships because of Megan’s Law.
Megan Kanka …show more content…
In Chicago, a school teacher named Tammy bonds engaged in sexual acts with a sixteen year old student. Tammy was a Christian, a mother, a veteran and now labeled a sexual offender for the rest of her entire life. She was charged with aggravated sexual abuse and sentenced to 180 days of prison with 4 years of probation. Tammy tells the author, Erica Meiners, about many of her struggles she's faced since being convicted. One of them includes finding a job. No matter where you go, no matter how much work experience or how impressive your resume is, your chances of finding a job are near impossible if you're a convicted sexual offender. After numerous job interviews Tammy found a job working for a telemarketer who was actually a convicted sexual offender as well. Tammy claimed the hardest part about being a sexual offender is finding a place to live. Megan’s Law has Tammy’s location accessible to the public. Leaving tenants unable to negotiate rent with her for the safety of the surrounding residents. Erica Meiners believes that Megan’s Law will only get worse for sexual offenders. Former United States president, Barack Obama signed a law that identifies sex offenders when they travel. It is a notification to let authorities know a sexual offenders is travelling and to document the information. Tammy was clearly a good person who was a teacher …show more content…
A study in 2008, supported by the U.S. Justice Department lead to the conclusion that Megan's Law had no impact on avoiding first-time sex offenses. Fletcher Duddy who is the Chief of Special Hearing Units of the Public Defender's office, claims it will be a total blunder to leave sex offenders information available to the public because there is no point. Fletcher said "Regardless of across the board group bolster for these laws, there is virtually no evidence to support Megan's Law." Duddy made a claim saying that "the general population would have no chance to get of figuring out who represents a genuine hazard and who

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