Mandatory Chemical Castration for Perpetrators of Sex Offenses Against Children: Following California's Lead

Abstract

This Comment discusses the controversy surrounding mandatory chemical castration and advocates the affirmation of California's mandatory chemical castration law as a significant step toward protecting our nation's children. Part II discusses the details of California's mandatory chemical castration law. Part I explains the medical procedures and mechanisms of chemical castration. Part IV provides an analysis of the application and success of chemical castration outside of California. Part V sets forth a detailed review of the constitutional implications surrounding mandatory chemical castration with additional attention given to the historical development and related case law. Part VI addresses the issue of informed consent. Part VII discusses the public policy arguments surrounding California's mandatory chemical castration, and part VIII provides a brief conclusion.