Does Sex Offender Registration and Notification Reduce Crime? A Systematic Review of the Research Literature

They conducted a systematic review of all research evidence throughout the United States and located nine rigorous evaluations. Seven of these studies address whether the laws influence 'specific' deterrence and the effect of a law on the recidivism rates of convicted sex offenders. The other two studies analyze 'general' deterrence and the effect of a law on sex offense rates of the general public, as well as recidivism rates of convicted sex offenders.