Public Perception of Sex Offender Registry and Community Notification Laws with Juvenile Sex Offender

Research has demonstrated that the public lacks knowledge and awareness regarding the effectiveness of community notification and sex offender registry laws with juvenile sex offenders. Despite research illustrating the numerous differences between juvenile and adult sex offenders, the lack of understanding among the public, and subsequently, policy makers, has led to the expansion of registry laws and community notification to include juvenile sex offenders. The current study aimed to examine differences in public opinion regarding juvenile sexual offender registration when offender and victim race were varied, as well as when the victim reported sexual activity was described as consensual or forced (non-consensual). In addition, this study aimed to examine any shift in the public's perception of juvenile sex offenders after being provided additional information regarding this matter.