JamieJ23 wrote:This being N-America dosent mean anything to the topic. When your sent to one of those hospitals its because there removing you from society....so at that point its not in your or societys best interest for you to have freedom, just like in prison. Except its not supposed to be a punishment.
The significant difference being that in the case of going to prison, you've already done something. If you are perceived as a threat due to a mental disorder, you don't have to
do anything. You have to be perceived as having the potential.
Personally, I feel that all people have to potential to be a danger to themselves, their surroundings, and society as a whole. No mental disorder is necessary.
Now, technically, you are
not supposed to be forced into treatment unless you are considered a clear and
immediate risk, but that is left to interpretation, and seems a little to easy to misinterpret.
At that point, the problem becomes much more complicated.
IMO those involved should not be considered infallible, or a god, at least in common usage of the term. They're people, and can be corrupt or mistaken. The patient should be aware of his or her rights, and demand they be respected. If he or she is concerned that these demands will be ignored, he or she should get an advocate to watch for any violations of their civil rights.