Sodomy is defined similarly to rape, except that it involves deviate sexual conduct, as opposed to intercourse. Sexual offense in the fourth degree a "Person in a position of authority" defined. Offenders who do move into the community are subjected to taunts and threats, and their property is sometimes vandalized. Since the Court found that Alaska's legislature intended to establish a civil proceeding, rather than to impose punishment, the law was constitutional. These laws are penal, because they subject the released offender to additional punishment.