An attorney says this to a judge in a civil commitment case: "Your honor, the Supreme Court in 1979 ruled that we cannot deny people their liberty by committing them to mental institutions involuntarily unless we have 'clear and convincing evidence' that they are mentally ill and potentially dangerous." To what Supreme Court ruling is the attorney referring?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The attorney is referring to Addington v. Texas, where the Supreme Court ruled that the standard for involuntary commitment to a mental institution requires "clear and convincing evidence" of mental illness and potential danger.

An Attorney Says This to a Judge in a Civil