What is the basis for criminal commitment? correct answers State police powers to ensure public
safety; requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt
What is parens patriae? correct answers State authority to protect persons unable to care for
themselves.
O'Connor v. Donaldson ruling? correct answers Non-dangerous people who can survive safely
cannot be involuntarily confined
What are the two requirements for civil commitment? correct answers Mental illness + imminent
danger.
NY Code 9.27? correct answers Involuntary admission requiring 2 physicians; substantial risk.
Definition of a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP)? correct answers Offender with mental
abnormality increasing risk of sexual reoffense; civilly committed post-sentence
What is SIST? correct answers Strict and Intensive Supervision and Treatment—outpatient civil
management program.
What does Megan's Law require? correct answers Sex offender registration and community
notification.
Four etiological factors (Beech & Ward)? correct answers Deviant arousal, cognitive distortions,
socio-affective deficits, self-regulation issues.
Goal of sex offender treatment? correct answers Reduce recidivism and increase community
safety (not cure).
, What is the Self-Regulation Model? correct answers Offending occurs through one of four
pathways: avoidance or approach, active or passive.
What is the Good Lives Model? correct answers Offenders seek basic human goods; treatment
helps them achieve these in prosocial ways.
Civil commitment requires which standard of proof? correct answers Clear and convincing
evidence
Kendra's Law mandates: correct answers Outpatient assisted treatment
Which law created community notification for sex offenders? correct answers Megan's Law
SVP commitment occurs: correct answers At the end of a prison sentence
What is the main goal of sex offender treatment? correct answers Reduce recidivism and
improve community safety.
Name two criticisms of Megan's Law. correct answers False sense of security; minimal impact
on recidivism; potential harm to offenders; confidentiality concerns.
What are static vs. dynamic risk factors? correct answers Static = unchangeable (e.g., prior
offenses). Dynamic = changeable (attitudes, arousal patterns).
What did O'Connor v. Donaldson establish? correct answers Non-dangerous individuals cannot
be confined if they can live safely.
Define "mental abnormality" in civil management context. correct answers A condition
predisposing a person to commit sexual offenses