ABSTRACT
In the late 20th century the American public and policymakers abruptly decided that too many dangerous sex offenders were being released from the American criminal justice system after serving their prison sentences and, after their release, committing horrendous sex crimes against vulnerable victims, especially children (La Fond 2005; Scheingold et al. 1992). Spurred by tragic sex crimes and murders committed by these offenders and sensationalized by the media, the public demanded that these dangerous criminals be confined indefinitely to prevent them from sexually reoffending.
