In the Matter of the Commitment of R.S.

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the Appellate Division’s decision that actuarial risk assessment instruments are admissible in civil commitment hearings under the Sexually Violent Predator Act when used by a testifying expert as a factor in forming an opinion on future dangerousness. The Court applied the Frye reliability standard, finding that such instruments have gained general acceptance and are sufficiently reliable for the purpose.