Opinion ID: 4272678
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Trial and appeal

Text: ¶24 On September 29, 2014, Jones' trial for commitment as a sexually violent person under chapter 980 began. At trial, 15 No. 2015AP2665 three experts testified: Dr. Jurek and Dr. Allen testified for the State, and Thomas Zander, Ph.D., testified for Jones. Dr. Jurek was the only psychologist in this case to have used the RRASOR and [the] MnSOST-R to evaluate Mr. Jones' risk. On October 2, 2014, the jury returned a special verdict finding that Jones was a sexually violent person, as alleged in the petition. Jones appealed. ¶25 On appeal, Jones challenged his commitment on the basis that the circuit court's admission of testimony based on the MnSOST-R and the RRASOR was reversible error. On April 10, 2017, the court of appeals summarily affirmed. Jones, No. 2015AP2665. The court of appeals held that the circuit court had not erroneously exercised its discretion because it considered the Daubert factors and found that the instruments were the product of sufficient facts and data, that the instruments were the product of reliable principles and methods, and that the instruments had been the subject of extensive review. Id. The court of appeals further noted that Jones' arguments went to weight, not admissibility, and that, therefore, he was able to discredit the testimony through crossexamination. Id. Jones petitioned for review. ¶26 On September 11, 2017, Jones' petition for review was granted. 16 No. 2015AP2665