Sarah's Law will not help for all the reasons placed above, but also it may well increase levels of vigilantism not to mention create exactly the kinds of stigma and stress which may trigger someone to re-offend.
― Pete, Friday, 14 December 2001 01:00 (twenty-two years ago) link
― Tom, Friday, 14 December 2001 01:00 (twenty-two years ago) link
― Gale Deslongchamps, Friday, 14 December 2001 01:00 (twenty-two years ago) link
― Bill, Friday, 14 December 2001 01:00 (twenty-two years ago) link
This is why it is far better that they are removed from the criminal system altogether, which have scant regard for such lofty and high- minded ideals as rehabilitation. They'll release someone when they reach the end of their sentence, it's as simple as that. Likelihood of reoffending only ever gets addressed at parole board meetings.
Pederasts are therefore far better dealt with by the medical profession. Someone sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983 will be detained indefinitely, until in the opinion of at least two doctors they are fit for release.
Which brings me back to my original point - what we need to deal effectively with these people is a medically AND legally accepted definition of pederasty.
And Judges need to stop speaking with so-called authority on medical issues. In sentencing Sarah's killer, the Judge unhelpfully commented that he did not consider the accused to be mentally ill, as he had exhibited clear-headedness throughout. Such remarks prevent sex offenders from being treated for mental health issues, as legally they are regarded as completely sane. In my view this cannot be right.
― Trevor, Friday, 14 December 2001 01:00 (twenty-two years ago) link
On the mental illness point - paedophiles have abnormal innate desires but is there any evidence that this leads to them being fundamentally less capable of choosing whether or not to act on their desires? It's not as if they hear voices ordering them to molest children.
― noah, Friday, 14 December 2001 01:00 (twenty-two years ago) link