Maryland Proposes Law to Commit Sexual Violence Offenders for Life

Maryland legislators have proposed a law that would incarcerate criminals who have committed sexual violence crimes indefinitely. The proposed law pertains to those who have a record of violent sexual acts against women and children. Before release from the original sentence the criminal would undergo a civil proceeding by the Department of Correction, who would decided whether to commit the felon to a mental institution.

The proposed Maryland law stems from a Kansas law which was supported by the U.S. Supreme Court last year. Attorney General J. Joseph Jr. said, "I'd like Maryland citizens to have these same protections."

The Supreme Court decision was based on the rape and slaying of a 20-year-old women who was murdered by a man who had been released from prison eight years earlier after serving 10 years for rape.

Media Resources: Washington Post - January 20, 1998

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