Morrison

*983 Near the end of his term of confinement, prison authorities identified Respondent Derrick Morrison as a potential sexually violent predator (SVP) pursuant to the Sexually Violent Predator Act ( *736 Welf. & Inst. Code, § 6600, et seq. ) (SVPA). 1 As discussed more fully below, the SVPA mandates a process for the identification and involuntary civil commitment of SVPs beyond the expiration of their prison terms. Civil commitment protects the public and allows the SVP to receive treatment.

Morrison had been convicted of kidnapping and raping a fourteen-year-old girl, and forcing her to orally copulate him. While in prison for those crimes, Morrison repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct and threatening sexualized behavior toward female prison medical professionals. He also admitted he had uncontrollable urges and was likely to rape again if released.

As part of the SVPA screening process, two psychologists employed by the state evaluated Morrison. Initially they disagreed with one another, with one evaluator saying Morrison met the criteria for commitment as an SVP, and the other opining he did not. Following statutory protocol, authorities then appointed two independent…