title: A survey of the social, legal, historical and 'psycho-babble' factors leading to sex offenders legislation in the areas of British common law heritage.
abstract: This survey covers the socio-economic and religious factors which influenced the development of the law in regard to sexual offenders in the Common Law traditions of Britain and North America. This overview shows that, in the 20th Century, ideas of psychology and psychiatry have led to perceptions (often mis-perceptions) on the part of legislators as to the implications of new knowledge and theories in regard to the formulation of legislation. This paper concludes with some recent work indicating that theories about the homogeneity and distinctiveness of different types of sexual offenders - which resulted in the evolution of legislation to its present form - might well now be considered obsolete. A brief indication of current correctional strategies and their limitations is given.
authors: Ontario Correctional Service, Sundbury.
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: McFarthing
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom