People v. Stoddard

A sexualpsychopath is defined as one affected with specified mental conditions “in a form predisposing to the commission of sexual offenses, and in a degree constituting him a menace to the health or safety of others” (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 5500). Our question is whether the threat of psychological trauma to others, without likelihood of physical injury, constitutes such a menace.

Defendant pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of indecent exposure (Pen. Code, § 314, subd. 1), and was certified to the superior court for determination of sexual psychopathy. Four psychiatrists filed written…