Megan's Law is an informal name for laws in the United States that require law enforcement authorities to make information available to the public regarding registered sex offenders. It was created after the murder of Megan Kanka. Individual states decide what information will be made available and how it should be distributed. Most give out the offender's name, picture, address, Prison date, and nature of the crime. The information is often displayed on free public websites, but can be published in newspapers, distributed in pamphlets, or through various other means.
Megan's Law
Questions and Answers
Q: What is Megan's Law?
A: Megan's Law is a set of laws in the United States that require law enforcement authorities to make information about registered sex offenders available to the public.
Q: Why was Megan's Law created?
A: Megan's Law was created after the murder of Megan Kanka.
Q: What information do individual states provide to the public under Megan's Law?
A: Individual states decide what information will be made available, but most give out the offender's name, picture, address, prison date, and nature of the crime.
Q: How is the information about registered sex offenders often displayed?
A: The information is often displayed on free public websites, but can also be published in newspapers, distributed in pamphlets, or through other means.
Q: Who decides what information is made available under Megan's Law?
A: Individual states decide what information will be made available and how it should be distributed.
Q: Is the information about registered sex offenders available to the public in all states in the United States?
A: Yes, Megan's Law has been adopted by all 50 states in the United States.
Q: What is the aim of Megan's Law?
A: The aim of Megan's Law is to make information about registered sex offenders available to the public to protect their communities from convicted sexual offenders.