Dr. Karen Franklin is one of many reporting the results of a survey in New Jersey on the effectiveness of Megan's law.
Karen Franklin, Megan's Law: Millions for Nothing, 5 February 2009. Bottom line:
Despite their enormous popularity, little research has been conducted into whether they work.
Now, a federally funded study (submitted December 2008) of New Jersey's law has found the following dramatic effects:
* Effects on sex offender recidivism: NONE
* Effects on time to first re-arrest: NONE
* Effects on number of victims: NONE
* Effects on state budget: $3.9 million-plus (as of 2007)
The bottom-line conclusion?
"Given the lack of demonstrated effect of Megan's Law on sexual offenses, the growing costs may not be justifiable."