Problem
Sex offender registration goes back to 1947 in California, where the first sex offender registration was implemented. In 1994, federal statute required all states to pass laws creating sex offender registries within their states. Many would assert these registrations are beneficial to communities. Some question the ethics of labeling these offenders and making their names and addresses public information.
The overwhelming public opinion of sex offender registry is positive and considered a useful tool in combating sexual assaults. With the success of the sex offender registry, is it ethical to consider implementing other criminal registries.
1. Discuss the possible expansion of criminal registry to include other crimes besides sex offenders. Should there be an auto theft registry or a murder or violent assault registry labeling the names and addresses of these convicted offenders? What about drug dealers?
2. Discuss the ethical impact criminal registration could have on the community and whether you support such a measure to register criminals other than sex offenders.
3. What other crimes should have registry?
4. What crimes shouldn't?