Do you think the show To Catch a Predator" is ethical?

I was watching a few clips from the show on youtube because my friend had told me about it and I couldn't decide if I agreed with the tactic they were using. I am very happy they catch those sick men, but I'm not sure if displaying all of that on national television is necessary. Sure, it passes for slight entertainment, but it seems like some of the questioning and stuff is confidential material. They could do this without putting it on tv...or do you think we as people have the right to see these bastards thrown in jail?

Interesting question. My sister and I were just discussing this over the weekend. She thinks it is unethical because the show sets them up, but I say it is not unethical because no one forces them to solicit underage girls, then go to their houses with alcohol and condoms.

As for the putting it on TV part... maybe it will deter someone else from doing it when they see others getting caught and suffering the consequences. In my opinion, any way they catch these sick, nasty men is a good thing.

I'm not sure if what they are doing is not entrapment.

I think it is good that they are getting pedofiles off the street and I understand once they make a proposition online to a minor (Even if it isn't) they are breaking a law and can be arrested.

Just something does set right with me about it. It is kindof like a setup I assume like getting a drug deal, but even in a drug deal they have to commit a crime ( usually proposition) before they get arrested.

Ethical?
When it comes to exposing sexual child predators, why would someone even be concerned with whether the methods are ethical or not?
If one of my children had been a victim of one of these dirt bags, my response would not have been ethical - or legal.

I think some of them should be shot.

I think it's perfectly ethical and legal and I fully support it.

Several of the men caught on the show have mentioned the show right before they got arrested. It is getting the word out and letting the pedophile community know that the 13 yo girl or boy you try to hit up for sex may not be a 13 yo at all - but rather a cop.

It's kind of like the red light cameras at intersections - if a city has them - they post signs telling you they are there - there are boxes at the intersections for the cameras - but not every box has a camera - some are empty - they just move the cameras around - so you never know which box has the camera. Sure you can run the red light - but you do it knowing that you could get caught on film.