Megan's Law: Assessing the Practical and Monetary Efficacy

This federally-funded study investigated the overall effect of Megan's Law on sexual offending over time, specific deterrence, and costs of the law. It comparatively analyzed sex offender statistics in New Jersey counties one decade before and one after Megan's Law, data on 550 sex offenders released between 1990 and 2000, and implementation and ongoing administrative costs of the law. Highlights of the findings were that Megan's Law has not shown a significant reduction of recidivism rates, first offenses, or in reduction of victims of sexual offenses; hence, the escalating cost may not be justified.