Sex Offenders Held Indefinitely

As reported by the Associated Press on May 17, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government has the power to hold inmates in prison after their prison terms are complete, if the prisoner is considered "sexually dangerous."  Labeling a prisoner sexually dangerous means prison officials have determined there is a "risk of sexually violent conduct or child molestation" if the prisoner is released.  The decision by the Court allows prisoners to be held indefinitely, beyond the term of their prison sentence, a form of civil commitment. A group of four inmates were challenging their commitment, after being held two years beyond the end of their prison terms.  The men were charged with possession of child pornography or sexual abuse of a minor.