Abstract
This article discusses various aspects of representing individuals who are allegedly "mentally ill and dangerous," under the provisions of the Nebraska Mental Health Commitment Act. The discussion deals primarily with the involuntary commitment of such individuals. Commitment of those accused or convicted of criminal offenses are only alluded to in passing, while voluntary admissions to a mental institution are not addressed. The purpose of this article is to discuss the various problems inherent in representing mentally ill individuals and to examine the legal and tactical aspects involved in the handling of such cases.
I. Introduction
II. Involuntary Commitment Procedure
III. Applicability of Constitutional Law
IV. Hearing Procedures
V. Mental Illness
VI. Prediction of Dangerousness
VII. The Nexus Requirement
VIII. Alternatives to Commitment
IX. Post-Commitment Proceedings
X. Conclusion
Recommended Citation
Thomas L. Hagel,
Defending the Mentally Ill: A Discussion of Nebraska's Involuntary Commitment Proceedings,
57 Neb. L. Rev. 1
(1978)
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nlr/vol57/iss1/2