At the heart of every issue is a story. In the case of U.S. v. Comstock, it’s the story of Martin Andrews, who was 13 when he was abducted by Richard Ausley and chained to a box in the middle of rural Virginia. He survived 8 days of brutal rapes and beatings. The civil commitment laws that govern whether sex offenders can be held after their terms are up vary state to state. 20 states have such laws. January 12, the Supreme Court revisited the case on civil commitment laws, which would allow men like Ausley to be held even after they finished their criminal sentences.
Credit: Ryan Garza | The Flint Journal
Does the government have responsibility to protect the public? Yes. But does the government have the authority to gain custody of sex offenders just because they may strike again? Supporters stress that these laws focus on risk assessment and prevention of re-offending. But when it comes to sexual deviancy, nothing is simple. For the victims concerned, the law may offer some peace of mind, but on the other side of the debate…
