ABSTRACT
This chapter explores a brief legal history of registration and community notification laws. Attitudes of the public, law enforcement, and treatment professionals toward Sex Offender Registration Notification (SORN) laws are examined, as are effects on recidivism and community integration of the offender. The chapter delves into collateral consequences of SORN policies on the partners of sex offenders. These collateral consequences include reclassification of tiers which results in a longer period of time on the registry; stigma from the community; as well as fear and harassment in the community from neighbors and law enforcement. Finally, the chapter elaborates potential improvements to current SORN laws.
