Latest 2 Cases: Interest of G.L.D. (Criminal Law), Interest of Voisine (Criminal Law)

The Problem of Evil and Free Will

SHERRY F. COLB

Cornell law professor Sherry F. Colb reflects on why, if God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and benevolent, there is still evil in the world. Colb argues that one common answer—free will—does not truly resolve that question.

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Interest of G.L.D.

Citation: 2019 ND 304

Opinion Date: December 18, 2019

Judge: Gerald W. VandeWalle

Areas of Law: Criminal Law, Government & Administrative Law

G.L.D. was first civilly committed as a sexually dangerous individual in 2007. G.L.D. petitioned the district court for discharge in April 2016, and a discharge hearing was held in June 2019. At the hearing, Dr. Richard Travis testified for the State. Dr. Travis testified that G.L.D. remains a sexually dangerous individual subject to continued civil commitment. G.L.D. did not call any experts in support of his petition for discharge. At the conclusion of the hearing, the district court orally issued findings of fact and conclusions of law resulting in G.L.D.'s continued commitment. G.L.D. appealed the district court's order denying his petition for discharge from civil commitment. After review, the North Dakota Supreme Court concluded the district court did not make sufficient findings of fact, and remanded for further findings.

Interest of Voisine

Citation: 2019 ND 302

Opinion Date: December 18, 2019

Judge: Daniel J. Crothers

Areas of Law: Criminal Law, Government & Administrative Law

Raymond Voisine appealed a district court order finding he remained a sexually dangerous individual. He argued the district court erred by: (1) granting the State’s request for continuance; (2) not holding a hearing within 365 days of the previous report or within a calendar year; (3) allowing the State to file and rely on an expert’s report that was filed late; and (4) finding by clear and convincing evidence that Voisine remained a sexually dangerous individual. The North Dakota Supreme Court determined the dispositive issue was whether clear and convincing evidence existed establishing Voisine remained a sexually dangerous individual. The Court determined the record as a whole did not support the finding by clear and convincing evidence that Voisine remained a sexually dangerous individual. "Limited rule infractions and sporadic progress and participation in treatment relied on in this case do not establish that the risk posed by Voisine is distinguishable 'from the dangerous but typical recidivist in the ordinary criminal case.'" Accordingly, the order denying Voisine's petition for discharge was reversed.