Spouse's Violent Criminal History

[LewPaper]

I don't think anyone can argue against the thinking behind this proposed bit of legislation. But this won't have been the first time something with good intentions has been hi-jacked and used for purposes that were never intented.
A woman wanting to know if their 'other half' has a violent/sexual history is one thing, but for someone who is genuinely trying to reform, whose relevent history is way back in the past and wanting to keep it secret, just how much would they pay to keep it that way?

[sara3]

"pay" who?

[LewPaper]

I take your point Dreadzone and totally agree with it, but this set of circumstances has apparently only become necessary because of the 'instant couple' syndrome the internet now offers, what with internet dating. In the past people got to know each other before dating. It's not that far from enquiring how to subdue lions before wanting to walk through their enclosure.
Sarah's Law is slightly different in that no-one could've foreseen the depths of depravity a few people's mind can sink to but at least it's in place now.
And sara - "pay" the enquirer, who else?

[LewPaper]

A bank doesn't have to make a formal complaint when they've suffered a robbery, so it makes you think at which point a victim needn't complain before the police take action.

[NOX]

I have a serious criminal record of violence ( not sexual or against women) but none the less i have a long criminal record which would scare the life out of most people. I am now not like that at all. If it were to come to a lady's attention before we got to know one another what my record was like no-one would touch me with a ten foot barge pole. I think what helped me vastly to rehabilitate was the fact that I was in a stable long term relationship with a wonderful woman ( who incidentally knew me anyway so was aware), but I think without that I could very well have ended up reoffending, so I have several concerns although fully understand that people would want to know and I always tell them ( just not usually on the first date).
also though I think it will be unworkable as a law as it contradicts so many existing laws such as the rehabilitaiton of offenders act plus of course how could you check on someone whose changed their name? In the UK you are free to call yourself whatever you like and change it on a daily basis if you wish wheras your criminal record stays firmly in your convicted name if you are not rearrested under another one.

[Le Chat]

It may be a good idea in theory...but surely the best way to find out whether someone is violent in the present, is to observe their behaviour.
I may be wrong, but I suspect that violent partners don't suddenly become violent on one day after being perfectly lovely previously. There must be signs along the way which are ignored.