(CN) - The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider whether Congress may adopt a federal law allowing inmates deemed "sexually dangerous" to be held indefinitely.
A provision of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 allows the federal government to keep a "sexually dangerous" person in custody even after he has completed his full prison sentence.
The law was challenged by four federal inmates who served their full prison terms, but were held in jail because the government deemed them "sexually dangerous."
The 4th Circuit struck down the law in January, saying it violated the Constitution.
Without comment, the high court agreed on Monday to hear the Obama administration's appeal. It is expected to hear arguments and rule on the case during its upcoming term, which begins in October.
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