성충동 약물치료제도 도입의 문제점과 개선방안

The problems and reformation on the 'chemical castration for sex offender law'

The chemical castration for sex offender in order to reduce and manage risk of re-offending is currently used in the United States and European countries. The use of chemical castration is the use of drugs to treat and/or help manage the risk of sex offenders. Due to the increased concern of public fear of the serious sexual crime against children, the ministry of Korea suggests various policy implications. The policy implications include managing high-risk sex offenders, the use of electronic surveillance system, public profiling on sex offenders, and the medical treatment for paedophile. Recently, the 'Chemical Castration for Sex Offender Law' is established on July, 23, 2010 and will enforce from July, 24, 2011. This paper examines and assesses the main contents and problems of the 'Chemical Castration for Sex Offender Law'. Then, the paper will also introduce and compare the contents of the various types of chemical castration law by states in the United States. Finally, the paper will also evaluate whether such law and treatment for sex offender is a viable option. The controversial debate on the chemical castration is still crucial topic among policy makers, but withdrawing the current law seems impossible. Although the administration of chemical castration injections is not unnecessarily invasive, it is nevertheless criticized as a method of treatment due to the number of possible side effects. It is worth noting that several of the side effects can be controlled through supplements and constant medical monitoring. Therefore, the better understanding and improvement of the chemical castration law are necessary.