Peterson

This is a petition for a writ of habeas corpus against the superintendent of the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Bridgewater (Bridgewater). The petitioner alleges that in the proceedings resulting in his commitment to Bridgewater under G. L. c. 123A, § 6, as a sexually dangerous person he was denied due process of law and equal protection of the laws. At the request of the parties the single justice reserved and reported the case without decision on the petition, the return and a stipulation made by the parties.

The petitioner pleaded guilty to two indictments charging assault with a…