Citation

Janes L. Howard J. Crim. Just. 2011; 50(2): 137-152.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Howard League for Penal Reform, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1468-2311.2010.00648.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A significant minority of sexual offences are committed by children, a significant proportion of which involve other children as victims. In order to protect children, the perpetrators in these cases will frequently be designated as 'Schedule 1 offenders' and 'registered sex offenders'. The number of people subject to these legal labels for an indefinite period of time is rising steadily. This article reviews the prevalence of sexually‐harmful behaviour among young people and the number of people with an indefinite legal status following a conviction for a sexual offence committed as a child. It explores the consequences for these people and considers the legality of indefinite labelling. It questions whether the imposition of this status increases the risk of harm to the public.