Question

Kansas v. Hendricks (1997) was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court Case that resulted in a major ruling.?

a. What did SCOTUS rule?

b. What rationales did SCOTUS provide for the constitutionality of the ruling?

Answer 1

a. The Supreme Court of United States (SCOTUS) in Kansas v. Hendricks (1997), rule upheld the state statute of "civil commitment" of such individuals who are sexually violent and pose threat to the society due to this uncontrollable behaviors of their, upon completion of their incarceration indefinitely until they are certified by authority by competent authority that the defendant is no longer a "sexually violent predator".

b. The SCOTUS provided rationals that it is necessary to have some restrictions on behaviors of individuals who can't control their dangerous sexual behaviors, thus, it was not unconsititutional double jeopardy or ex- post facto law, as it does not establish criminal proceedings. Hence, involuntary confinement under it should not be considered as punishment.