Texas Supreme Court Upholds Constitutionality of Sexually Violent Predators Act

In In re Commitment of Fisher, the Texas Supreme Court was asked to determine the constitutionality of the Texas Civil Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators Act.  The Act permits the State of Texas to commit a sexual predator to outpatient treatment and supervision upon release from a prison or state hospital.  The court of appeals had struck the Act as violating the United States Constitution.  Ryan Clinton's petition for review earned the rare distinction of leading the Texas Supreme Court to grant the petition before requesting or receiving full briefing on the merits.  Ultimately, the Texas Supreme Court reversed the court of appeals's judgment and fully upheld the constitutionality of the statute.  In re Commitment of Fisher, 164 S.W.3d 637 (Tex. 2005).

State of Texas's Brief
Texas Supreme Court Opinion