Taxonomic Discrimination Among Sex Offenders: Forensic Utility?

Abstract

Sexual offenders are a markedly heterogeneous group of individuals. The chapter provides a historic overview of rational and empirically derived taxonomic classification systems of sexual offenders, as well as their potential utility and limitations. Various taxonomic classification systems for contact offenders, child pornography, and Internet offenders are presented. This chapter includes a brief discussion of relevant laws. Related crossover effects and “black swan” perpetrators will be discussed. Implications for future research and directions using taxonomic approaches will be discussed.