Should the law allow compulsory sterilization of persistant criminals?

[Sam M]

In the UK at least, there seem to be an increasing number of people (youths in particular), who have no moral compass and appear to lack the most basic humanity. These are damaged people, brought up in a damaged environment, and could almost be pitied if they didn't cause the havoc they do.
I believe that an efficient and humane way to reduce crime, and improve the lives of the population would be to prevent persistant violent criminals from reproducing. I don't consider this a form of eugenics, as I don't believe that genetics play a significant role in the way people turn out.
All this would mean is that certain thugs wouldn't be able to rear children in damaged environments, forcing them to become the next generation of violent criminals, and creating a criminal underclass, a problem which the USA seems to suffer from already.
I'm afraid that it's just tough if you've reformed as you've gotten older, if you were a violent criminal, your victims wouldn't get a second chance would they?
I expected people would try and compare this to Hitler, the Nazis etc. the Nazis also passed laws for the protection of animals and animal welfare (surprisingly), does this mean all RSPCA members are Nazis?

[G Man]

Studies have shown that violent criminals who were given a pet to look after developed 'caring skills', so you could argue that if such people had kids then they are likely to learn responsibility and grow up.
I would support not sterilisation but castration of rapists and paoedophiles, but not as a general solution to all problems

[just me]

If you dont believe genetics play a significant role in the way people turn out then why sterilize the criminals? Would you feel the same if you found out that your parents made some huge mistakes when they were kids, maybe did some really stupid things because they were influenced by some really stupid people but as they got older they realized how stupid they were and changed their ways and behavior. Now think about your question, and realize that if there was someone like you around to ask that same question and decided that your parents shouldnt reproduce because of their behavior, you wouldnt be here to ask that stupid question now. Seriously, were you asking a question or were you just bored after your buzz wore off?