Opinion ID: 1541042
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Least Restrictive Disposition

Text: Once the matter comes before the court, the proceeding is not strictly adversary. Lake v. Cameron, supra, 124 U.S.App.D.C. at 268, 364 F.2d at 661. The trial judge becomes actively involved in developing the facts. He is duty bound, in fact, to explore alternatives, Lake v. Cameron, supra at 267, 364 F.2d at 660, and is therefore empowered to appoint independent experts, Rouse v. Cameron, supra, 125 U.S. App.D.C. at 372, 373 F.2d at 457, and to seek aid from various sources in addition to the Commission. Lake v. Cameron, supra, 124 U.S.App.D.C. at 268, 364 F.2d at 661. If the judge is dissatisfied with the Commission's report, he may require that it be supplemented. Id. at 269 n. 18, 364 F.2d at 662 n. 18. Ultimately, a decision to hospitalize the respondent must be based on findings of illness and dangerousness beyond a reasonable doubt, Super.Ct.Ment. H.R. 5(a)findings by a jury rather than the court if the respondent so elects. D.C. Code 1973, §§ 21-544, -545. The court, however, has the power to grant a directed verdict or a judgment n. o. v. Super.Ct. Ment.H.R. 4 (incorporating Super.Ct.Civ.R. 50). The judge accordingly has broad power to assure a `just disposition of [the] case.' Rouse v. Cameron, 125 U.S.App. D.C. at 372 n. 32, 373 F.2d at 457 n. 32 (citation omitted). [15] Inherent in the responsibilities of the Commission and the court is the obligation to find the most effective, least restrictive disposition. See Lake v. Cameron, supra, 124 U.S.App.D.C. at 268, 364 F.2d at 661. Both the Commission and the court are authorized to obtain outside expert assistance in order to assure that the court, at the dispositional stage, utilizes all available knowledge about the alternatives. Id. See In re Jones, 338 F.Supp. 428 (D.D.C.1972). Appellants accordingly are unpersuasive in claiming that, without participation by a public prosecutor, the least restrictive, most appropriate disposition cannot be achieved.