"Sexually violent predators" are strictly people deemed to have a mental disorder that would lead them to "re-offend." It "requires anyone convicted of two sexually violent offenses to undergo a psychological evaluation to determine if a mental disorder makes it likely they will re-offend. If they are classified a [sexually violent predator], the district attorney can file a petition to commit. If a court or jury finds evidence is strong, the person may be committed to a secure state hospital for an indeterminate amount of time.
The Supreme Court decision reinforces public attitudes toward sex offenders (which are probably similar if not more lenient than attitudes toward sexual predators). A Gallup poll in 2005 found that at least two-thirds of Americans support the use of the registry to track sex offenders and have little sympathy for arguments against the registry that would suggest the lists would lead to harassment of people.
Presumably, the same group that expressed little concern about the registry is the same group that is significantly afraid of child molesters in their community. The poll found two-thirds think a convicted child molester probably lives in their neighborhood. And, even more important is the fact that this Gallup poll found that 65% think sex offenders (or child molesters) cannot be rehabilitated.
There is little concern for the rights or civil liberties of anyone committing foul sex acts.
It's not surprising that Americans would be so afraid that "sexually dangerous" people are out there waiting to get them or believe that offenders or predators could not be rehabilitated. Popular shows like all the versions of "Law & Order" (especially "Law & Order: SVU"), all the versions of "CSI," and any true crime show on television sensationalize the danger of "sexually dangerous" criminals.
So, does this decision hold any implications for politicians who may use their money and power to seek licit and illicit pleasures?
Republican and former U.S. Representative Donal "Buz" Lukens of Ohio was accused of "fondling and propositioning a young woman who worked as an elevator operator at the Capitol. He was jailed in 1988 for paying a 16-year-old girl to have sex with him and was convicted the next year of having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl. Maybe this is not the behavior of a sexually violent predator but certainly a predator. Yet, he is now retired and not serving time in prison.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
2
1
1
