Variation in Criminal Justice Policy-Making: An Exploratory Study Using Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Laws. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lytle, Robert
• Is Part Of: Criminal justice policy review. Volume 26:Number 3(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 233
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: sex offender registration -- sex offender notification -- criminal justice policy -- legislative history -- mixed methods; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.973
• DOI: 10.1177/0887403413507274
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-4034

Abstract

Variation in Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification (SORCN) policies may suggest differences in public fears of sexual crimes as well as differences in state-level policy-making. This study explored the standardization of SORCN policies across a sample of five midwestern states. A thematic content analysis showed that states varied in how registrants were defined, what information was selected for public notification, and how sex offender laws are maintained. A typology of revisions emerged, which may inform our understanding about policy-making. Ultimately, existing research provides limited explanations for these results, serving as an impetus for future research on context and process of criminal justice policy change.