Incest and Sex Offender Registration: Who is Registration Helping and Who is it Hurting?

Authors

Jocelyn Ho, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

Abstract

The note argues that sex offender registration and notification laws, such as Megan's Law, disproportionately harm victims and offenders in cases of incest. It contends that incest is distinct from other sex crimes due to its familial nature and low recidivism rates, making its inclusion in public registries unnecessary and counterproductive. The psychological and social consequences of registration extend to victims, violating their privacy and perpetuating stigma. The note advocates for a shift in policy focus toward prevention, victim empowerment, and rehabilitation rather than punitive measures.

Disciplines

Criminal Law | Criminal Procedure | Law | Legislation

Recommended Citation

Jocelyn Ho, Incest and Sex Offender Registration: Who is Registration Helping and Who is it Hurting?, 14 Cardozo J. Equal Rts. & Soc. Just. 429 (2008).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cardozoersj/vol14/iss2/7