Why, it’s probably cruel and unusual (okay I admit in some times and places probably not unusual).
More importantly it’s ineffective, especially in cases where the perp is a repeat child abuser. In these cases I advocate the justice system waking up and realizing that it is a sick preference that will never go away - and life in prison is appropriate. It does the job and gets them off the streets.
Why is it ineffective? There was a case where the perp asked for it in connection with getting parole or something else that would get them on the street. It’s only “chemical” castration and that case would allow the perp to fondle at will.
If the release was allowed because of the castration being performed, I’d be hopping mad. Especially if it was because the perp consented.
This would put more children at risk.
(there is no need if someone is in the klink - they’ll get plenty perped against them there - and pose no threat to other inmates)
Castration is not a guaranteed deterrant. If the perpetrator is suffering from mental illness is may serve only to further exascerbate the behavior. Oftentimes the offender is using sex merely as a way of projecting his aggression/urges upon the victim using the most personal of tools. If deprived of this tool, another may be sought.
Notice the behavior of animals after spaying/neutering? They rarely lose the desire to attempt their behavior–the instincts override the imperfection. Likewise, if a human is suffering from nervosa or psychoses, the ‘instinct’ will override the dysfunction of the sexual apparatus.
Who’s to say a subtitute method of actualization of the offending urges will not be performed? Or will they cut off the hands next?
If we are out of our mind, it is for the Lord; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 2Cor.5:13
Robodude, I don’t know if it’s necessarilly isolated to sex offenders, but it is a penalty. I heard a horror story (I cannot vouchsafe its truth) that a man in NC was tried, convicted and sentenced. His sentence involved castration and life imprisonment without parole. In the end, he only couldn’t defend himself because he was deaf and dumb (mute) and was in fact innocent. Now, it sounds like a horrible micarriage of justice, so I don’t know if it’s true, but if it were, then castration is a penalty for SOMETHING in NC (probably something serious, like disliking Jesse Helms).
There was a case of a man who ASKED to be chemically castrated - I think it was just estrogen, and the option got a lot of tough on crime types all worked up - they loved it.
I will try to find a reference, this was about 2 years ago.