Am J Psychiatry 1975; 132:189-192
Copyright © 1975 by American Psychiatric Association
Civil liberties versus involuntary hospitalization
S Rachlin, A Pam and J Milton
The authors examine the issue of involuntary hospitalization for mental
illness with particular reference to legal rights and civil liberties.
Follow-up data of patients treated on a closed ward, as well as other
available evidence, indicate that society is not ready for the abolition of
involuntary hospitalization. The authors believe that the most fundamental
right of the patient is that of adequate treatment, and therefore this
should take precedence over an absolute right to liberty.
