Ardell Moore, Petitioner v. the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Respondent; the People, Real Party in Interest

Summary

The court held that due process does not require a person undergoing commitment or recommitment under the Sexually Violent Predator Act to be mentally competent to stand trial. It reasoned that the risk of erroneous commitment is mitigated by counsel, expert assistance, heightened burdens of proof, jury unanimity, and continuing review, while recognizing a competency requirement could substantially impede the state's interests in public safety and specialized treatment. Justice Moreno, dissenting, would have recognized a due process right to competency and used existing criminal competency procedures to protect it.