Castration Of Sex Offenders Article Analysis

In the article, there are two authors with different views, one saying serious sex offenders should be castrated and the other saying that it shouldn’t be allowed. The author that is for the castration of sex offenders is Lawrence Wright, an Attorney from the state of Texas. Lawrence Wright talks about the controversy over castrating sex offenders as well as the role society has on either allowing or not allowing these castrations to happen. Wright argues that even though castration might not end up being the ideal choice, if instead we the people treat it as a form of therapy and not punishment and treat these offenders as victims not monsters, then maybe one day this will allow castration to be a viable sex offender treatment. He also went on to say that we should help these offenders instead of seeking revenge on them.On the other hand, another Attorney Kari A. Vanderzyl believes that castration of sex offenders should not be allowed. Her main argument is that the castration of sex offenders is not unacceptable and for the most part ineffective, but also it is just an alternative to imprisonment for these offenders. Vanderzyl views this alternative not just only as unconstitutional, but also a violation of many of our amendment rights as well.

2. What evidence supports the author’s thesis?

In order to state why castrations should be allowed on sex offenders, Wright provides key information and examples as to why it should be allowed. He first talks a little bit about the sex offenders they currently have in jail in Texas. He explains that only a small amount are actually receiving therapy and how more than half will be arrested for a sex crime a few years later after getting released from jail. The next thing Wright talks abou...

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...nt that could go against her is that if you are not for the castration of sex offenders, then what treatment will be given in order to help these offenders? The current treatment that is given to offenders in jail according to Lawrence Wright, is not working as it is often only for short periods of time as well as only given to the ones who need it the least. Currently, castration is the only method that actually shows any significant changes in sex offenders, where it effects them behaviorally. This creates the argument that Vanderzyl would have to answer, would you rather stick with the procedures in place that are ineffective or allow castrations as alternate? Even if she’s still skeptical, there can be tests done where sex offenders have the procedure done and if the results are positive and help offenders then good, if not she can still side with her argument.