Case Name: In the Matter of Melvin S., Appellant. Brookdale Hospital, Respondent
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 2008-12-30
Citations: 57 A.D.3d 1002
Docket Number: 
Parties: In the Matter of Melvin S., Appellant. Brookdale Hospital, Respondent.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 57
Pages: 1002–1002

Head Matter:
In the Matter of Melvin S., Appellant. Brookdale Hospital, Respondent.
[869 NYS2d 791]

Opinion:
Although the period of retention directed by the order appealed from has expired, under the circumstances, the matter qualifies as an exception to the mootness doctrine, in that, inter alia, the issue presented is likely to recur and may in the future evade review (see Matter of Harry M., 96 AD2d 201, 202 [1983]).
It was incumbent upon the petitioner to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that the patient at issue was mentally ill, in need of further treatment, and posed a substantial threat of physical harm to himself or others, such that his retention is warranted (see Matter of John N., 52 AD3d 834, 835 [2008]). In this case, the petitioner failed to show by clear and convincing evidence that the patient's mental illness posed a substantial threat of physical harm to himself or others (see Matter of Julio R., 16 AD3d 423, 424 [2005]; Matter of Francine T., 302 AD2d 533, 533-534 [2003]; Matter of Gilliard v Sanchez, 219 AD2d 500, 501 [1995]). Miller, J.E, Angiolillo, Belen and Chambers, JJ., concur.