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Constitutional Law Keyed to Rotunda
United States v. Comstock
Citation:
560 U.S. 126 (2010)Facts
Congress enacted a federal statute that authorized the Department of Justice to detain a mentally ill, sexually dangerous federal prisoners beyond the date the prisoner would otherwise be released. The statute allowed a district court to order the civil commitment of an individual who is currently in the custody of the federal prisons if certain conditions are met. Confinement in the facility will last if the person’s mental condition improves or a State assumes responsibility for his custody. The statute was challenged by respondents on constitutional grounds.
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Topic Resources
Topic Refresher Course
Introduction to Congressional Powers