MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports on Minnesota Supreme Court decision that State can commit convicted sex offender Dennis Linehan to a state hospital. The Court had to decide whether the government can lock up a person based on what the person may commit in the future. The ruling upholds Minnesota's Sexually Dangerous Person's law, a law that incarcerates sexual predators who've served their prison terms but who the court considers too dangerous to set free.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Sandy Keith said Linehan's commitment to a state hospital does not violate his constitutional rights. Keith said Linehan's anti-social personality disorder and dangerousness was enough of a basis for civil commitment. Justices Alan Page and Esther Tomljanovich dissented, expressing concern over lack of limitations in preventive measures, moral credibility, and incarceration solely over fear of future acts.

Report includes comments from Eric Janus, defense attorney; and John Curwen, Assistant States Attorney.