University students' perspective on sex offenders with regards to the criminal justice system

Abstract

This research examines University of Malta students' perceptions of sex offenders within the Criminal Justice System context. The primary aim was to understand student attitudes toward sex offenders, explore their perspectives on appropriate punishments, and assess their opinions on the system's effectiveness in managing such offenders. Utilising a quantitative methodology, the study was conducted through a survey distributed among University of Malta students, focusing on gathering student views on various aspects of sex crimes, including the effectiveness of different punishments and the overall performance of the criminal justice system. The findings reveal considerable skepticism among students regarding the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System in dealing with sex offenders. Many respondents favoured more stringent punitive measures such as lengthy prison sentences and use of public offender registries. Additionally, the results indicated a lack of awareness and understanding of the criminal justice system's role and processes, highlighting a gap in educational outreach and information dissemination. The study suggests that while punitive approaches are favoured, cautious interest in rehabilitative measures are also present. These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive educational programs at the university level to enhance understanding of the criminal justice system and its approach to sex offenders. Results also suggest that policymakers should consider these perceptions in their efforts to reform and improve the system's effectiveness. Furthermore, results advocate for further research to explore changes in attitudes over time and the impact of different interventions aimed at improving the criminal justice system's approach to sex crimes.