A Content Analysis of Sex and Drug Law Legislation

Abstract

There have been claims which have suggested recent federal sex offender legislation is innovative. The current study uses previously passed, but current federal drug legislation to determine if new federal sex offender policy has been implemented in another type of crime before. A content analysis explores both federal drug and sex offender legislation. Current policies which surpass traditional forms of sentencing and fines are examined. Pattern matching is utilized to determine if commonalities exist between federal drug and sex offender policies and legislation. Existing parallels question the declarations of innovativeness the recent sex offender legislation has acquired. Theoretical implications assist in understanding why structural similar policies exist in both sets of legislation.