The sex offender registry was supposedly created to track dangerous sexual predators who prey on children and vulnerable adults. Yet it routinely captures people for acts that are embarrassing, youthful, or simply stupid — but not predatory. Public urination behind a bar at 2 a.m., two teenagers sending consensual nude photos, streaking at a college…
The sex offender registry was marketed as a necessary safeguard against dangerous predators. Yet in practice, it routinely sweeps up people who committed non-violent, often minor, and sometimes ridiculous offenses — acts that in any other context would be handled with a fine or a slap on the wrist. Public urination, streaking at a college…