In a 7-2 vote, the Supreme court ruled that the government can
continue to detain prisoners who had engaged in sexually violent
conduct, suffered from mental illness and would have difficulty
controlling themselves. Do you agree with this ruling?
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
“In a 7-2 vote, the Supreme court ruled that the government can continue to detain prisoners who had engaged in sexually violent conduct, suffered from mental illness and would have difficulty controlling themselves. Do you agree with this ruling?” Yes: 7 No: 3
? Karen Anderson: “Most assuredly. The recidivism rate on sexual offenders is huge. The safety of the community comes first.”
? Dave Appling: “Yes. Salus populi suprema lex (Cicero) – the welfare of the people is the highest law.”
? Chris Bryant: “Yes, This is no different from confining a psychotic individual guilty of murder that cannot be controlled and is expected to commit murder again. However, we need to be very careful drawing the line that determines someone is too much of a danger to others.”
? Bob Chidester: “No. Once they pay their debt to society, they should be allowed the same freedoms as other convicted felons. A sentence for ‘mental illness’ has been used by many repressive governments to suppress dissent.”
? Dennis Kennedy: “Yes.”
? Julian Mancias: “No. From a constitutionality standpoint, it’s use of the ‘necessary and proper’ clause of Article 1 is a stretch and a misuse of the courts, and Congress,’ powers.”
? Linda McNulty: “Yes, but since the ruling only applies to those inmates who are both sexually dangerous and mentally ill, it is my hope that the government gets them the medical and psychological attention that is needed. Further, that they only hold those prisoners until they are no longer dangerous or the state assumes responsibility for them.”
? Henry Miller: “Most certainly. The ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ clause in the Constitution is expanded with the ‘necessary and proper’ provision. The executive, legislative and judicial branches of our government have a duty to protect society. Let’s hope they meet their sworn duty.”
? Lisa Pampuch: “It gives me pause. While I understand and agree with their interpretation of federal powers to regulate interstate commerce that the majority cited, I am disturbed by the concept of holding people for crimes they might commit.”
? Jeffrey Smith: “Yes. Anyone who uses sexual violence against anyone, in my opinion is mentally ill, cannot control themselves, and should not be out in society. Sexual violence against children should merit the death penalty.”
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