Sex Offenders & Crimes Against Children: Analyses of Select Federal Legislation

Over the past 100 years, Congress has sought to prohibit acts of sexual abuse of minors and punish those who harm the nation’s children. These efforts began in the early 20th century when Congress prohibited the transportation of a minor in interstate commerce for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and continue to more modern measures such as outlawing the use of the Internet to lure children for sexual purposes. Nevertheless, Congress’s power in this area does have constitutional limits. This book discusses the punishments and effects of failing to register as a sex offender; the Child Protection Act of 2012; and federal criminal offences.