Many states and the federal government have passed sexually violent predator civil commitment laws (SVP laws). The basis of these laws is to protect vulnerable citizens, or exercise the _____ power, and to restrain violent individuals, or exercise the state's _____ power.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parens patriae power refers to the state's role as protector of citizens who are unable to protect themselves, while police power refers to the state's capacity to regulate behavior and enforce order within its territory for the betterment of the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of its inhabitants.

Many States and the Federal Government Have Passed Sexually Violent