Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

Sex Offenders and Public Policy. Edited by Lynn M. Zott. Detroit, Mich.: Greenhaven Press Thomson Gale, 2008. 1 vol. 228 p. $36.20. ISBN 10: 0-7377-3797-2; 13: 978-0-7377-3797-4.

President George W. Bush signed the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act in 2006. This act mandates the maintenance of a national registry of sex offenders. It also established the Project Safe Childhood Program giving grants to states to help combat Internet predators. Nightly news programs often have stories of sex offenders who have moved into a neighborhood and the residents are just learning about their presence. This volume offers resources which can help students debate the relevant issues. Chapter One offers both sides of the question, "Is Sex Offender Policy Based on Accurate Assumptions." Chapter Two asks, "Is Treatment for Sex Offenders Effective?" and provides articles to answer "Yes" and "No." Chapter three debates "What Controversies Surround Sex Offender Policy?" and proposes that "Registries and Community Notification Target the Wrong People." Another article under this heading proposes that "Legislation Must Be Based on Scientific Research." Chapter 4 makes suggestions for "How Can Sex Offender Policies Be Improved?" Authors are given a one sentence introduction at the beginning of each chapter and their comments are highlighted in inset boxes throughout the text. Appendixes include Organizations to Contact and a brief bibliography. Students who are asked to debate this issue will certainly find broad background here.