Lawyers conclude arguments on challenge to sex offender program

A legal challenge by two sex offenders currently held as part of Minnesota's Sex Offender Program could have broader implications for the state's nearly 700 patients.

Since its inception almost 20 years ago, only one person has been released from the program. Currently, Minnesota has the highest per capita rate of committed sex offenders in the country.

Lawyers today wrapped up their arguments in the latest hearing in the case, and federal judge Donovan Frank says he'll issue a decision in the next 30 days.

Eric Janus is a member of the court-mandated Sex Offender Civil Commitment Advisory Task Force and dean of the William Mitchell College of Law. He talked with MPR News' Tom Crann.

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