Court Opinion

ID: 9860429
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 23:21:42.599197+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:22:37.162143
License: Public Domain

JUSTICE KNECHT, dissenting: I agree with the majority on the due-process issue but conclude no clear and convincing evidence was presented to warrant respondent’s involuntary admission. Respondent is mentally ill, but the evidence is woefully short of proving he is a danger to himself or others or is unable to provide for his basic physical needs. Respondent’s father was not afraid, nor had respondent ever threatened him. He described his son as a good worker who contributed to the expenses of the household and helped out around the house. His father was put off by his son’s loud and explosive conversations. The only agitation and threatening behavior of respondent was when he was forcibly administered shots by the staff at the hospital. A counselor testified respondent was a well-nourished, resourceful individual who probably could take care of himself. The counselor thought respondent “might” victimize his parents because of the allegations in the petition of respondent being threatening toward his parents, and Amy Mundwiler saw respondent “throwing lite [sic] cigarettes near a full gas can.” However, Mundwiler did not testify and is identified by name only in the record. No evidence shows respondent threatened his parents, and no evidence shows respondent threw lighted matches near a gas can. Respondent might benefit from involuntary admission. Perhaps he will bathe more often and be more compliant. Perhaps his presently harmless delusions will diminish. Medication may improve his disposition and modify his behavior. However, he should not suffer a loss of liberty and he forcibly administered painful injections simply to make him a more agreeable member of our society. Mental-health proceedings are part of the court process. They are meant to be adversarial. The State bears a heavy burden of proof. This scanty record and the hearing conducted ought not pass muster in a free society.