Commonwealth v. Williams

OPINION

JUSTICE SAYLOR.

These are consolidated direct appeals from the orders of the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County, striking down certain provisions of the statute commonly known as Megan’s Law, as amended in 2000. The primary question presented is whether the statute’s registration, notification, and counseling requirements, applicable to individuals deemed sexually violent predators, constitute criminal punishment. Because we find that they do not, we reverse the trial court’s orders and remand for further proceedings.

I

On July 27, 2000, Appellee Gomer Williams sexually assaulted a…