¶ … chemical castration for sex offenders. Specifically it will discuss why chemical castration for sex offenders is necessary to control sex offenders in the general population, and how the "three strikes" laws need to be enhanced for sex offenders. Chemical castration is the ultimate solution for some sex offenders who cannot control their need to abuse others, and it may be the only way some offenders can actually live in communities and attempt to live productive lives outside of incarceration. The recent series of sex crimes and murders in the news points to a severe problem with sex offenders on the loose and unmonitored by local police departments. Often, the general population does not know there is a sex offender living next door or down the street until it is too late. The problem is more widespread than many people know, and so, a workable solution to the problem needs to be found as soon as possible.

SOLUTION

The solution to widespread sex offenders in communities is twofold. First, studies since the 1960s have shown that use of the drugs cyproterone acetate (CA) and medoxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) are extremely effective in treating many sex offenders. The drugs tend to lower testosterone levels and libido in many sexual offenders, which makes them safer and less apt to molest children or adults in the community. One researcher notes, "Meyer, Walker, Emory, and Smith report that MPA significantly reduced plasma testosterone levels in rapists, exhibitionists, and others who committed pedophilia....

Another measure to control sex offenders in California is a much stronger law even than three-strikes. Another expert notes, "In addition to the three-strikes bills now in effect in most states, some also have one-strike laws aimed at those convicted of rape or child molesting, like California's, which can mandate twenty-five years to life for a first offense" (Kincaid 91). Thus, sex offenders face stricter and longer jail sentences to keep them off the streets, and those that are released back into society face chemical castration to make sure they do not commit more sexual crimes in their communities.
THEORY

The theory behind chemical castration is simple. By reducing a sex offender's hormonal reaction to sex and sexual stimulus, the sex offender no longer feels the compulsion to molest or have sex with others. This theory has been tested in California, which passed a chemical castration law in 1996 (Kincaid 90). Sex offenders in that state can also choose to be surgically castrated. This theory takes into account the many studies that have linked successful treatment of sex offenders to chemical castration, and the theory that these people are unable to control their own sexual urges, and so drugs or other treatment must be used to keep the population safe from these sexual predators.

There is another theory behind creating chemical castration laws, and that is the theory…