Nash (2019) Sex offenders & managing 'the other'

• Provisions relating to the sex offenders in the Criminal Justice Act 1991:

  • Past behaviour or convictions would not increase the seriousness of the current offence (Except for violent and sexual crimes)
  • Strengthening of the sex offender register
  • Disproportionate sentences for sexual offences and the development of the sex offender register
• what is the sex offender register?

  A list of people who have been convicted or cautioned for a sexual offence.
• To what extent is the sex offender register capable of reducing the risks posed by sex offenders?

  • Fear of exposure and impact on offenders life may deter them
  • People can avoid areas with high numbers of sex offenders

  BUT

  • Just a list, not punishment enough
  • You have to request to see it (not public)
• Why do professionals tend to be against notification processes?

  It could drive the offenders underground which makes supervision more difficult.
• Nash argues that risk calculations based on future behaviour poses an ethical dilemma. Agree - It is unfair to punish someone for a crime they have not yet committed and may never commit.