Megan's Law
Show 1405

It began in New Jersey 15 years ago when the murder-rape of 7-year-old Megan Kanka launched a nationwide movement - and laws in all 50 states. 

The idea was to keep tabs on sex offenders through town by town registries ... and, in the cases of those deemed most likely to strike again, to notify neighbors, schools and community institutions that a potential sexual predator was among them. 

But now, a federally-funded study by the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) concludes that Megan's Law may be a failure - that it hasn't prevented either new sex offenses or repeat offenses.

Sandra King looks at the history of the law, its cost, and the DOC study.

Studio Guests: Former Congressman Richard Zimmer and ACLU-NJ Legal Director Ed Barocas