This entry discusses several key sex crime cases, specifically those that have initiated much of the sexual offender legislation that exists today. The particular cases discussed include Megan Kanka, Amber Hagerman, Jessica Lunsford, and Chelsea King; and a detailed explanation of the resulting memorialization law is provided. Additionally, this entry provides a review of the empirical research on the laws and on the disconnect that exists between society's expectation of increased penalties and the reality of ineffectiveness.
