Megan's Law is a set of laws in the United States that require law enforcement agencies to make information about registered sex offenders public.
The law is named after Megan Kanka, a seven-year-old girl who was murdered in 1994 by a repeat sex offender who lived in her neighborhood. Her parents advocated for legislation to make information about convicted sex offenders more readily available to the public.
Here are some key aspects of Megan's Law:
* Sex Offender Registries: It requires convicted sex offenders to register with law enforcement agencies, providing their personal information, address, and other relevant details.
* Public Access to Information: This information is then made available to the public through online databases, community notifications, and other methods.
* Community Notification: Law enforcement agencies are required to notify communities about the presence of registered sex offenders in their areas. This can be done through mailings, public meetings, or online resources.
The specific details of Megan's Law vary from state to state, but the core principle of public disclosure remains consistent.
It's important to note that while Megan's Law aims to protect communities, it also raises concerns about the potential for discrimination and stigmatization of registered sex offenders.