Involuntary

Governor DeSantis Pushes to End ‘Red Flag’ Gun Laws, Advocates for Increased Involuntary Commitments Instead

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Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sparked controversy with his call to repeal the state’s “red flag” laws, which were implemented to prevent individuals deemed dangerous by courts from possessing firearms. These laws, enacted during Rick Scott’s tenure as governor following the tragic mass shooting at a Parkland high school in February 2018, are now criticized by DeSantis as violations of due process. According to DeSantis, the red flag laws reverse the burden of proof, placing it on the individual to demonstrate they are not a threat, rather than on the government. This … Read more

Editorial Perspective: The Delicate Balancing Act of Reforming Involuntary Commitment Laws

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In states across the U.S., the use of involuntary commitment laws, designed to mandate treatment for individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others due to mental illness, is being intensely scrutinized. These laws, pivotal in mental health crisis interventions, raise significant questions about civil liberties and the balance between individual rights and community safety. Involuntary commitment, or civil commitment, involves detaining a person with mental health disorders in a psychiatric hospital against their will—predicated on evaluations by mental health professionals and adherence to legal criteria. These measures are most common when a person is … Read more

Michigan Man Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter in Roommate’s Death After Intense Deliberation

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CRYSTAL FALLS, Mich. — A jury in Crystal Falls delivered their verdict Sunday in a high-profile murder case, convicting 71-year-old James Clement of involuntary manslaughter in the death of his housemate, Ralph Schuirmann, after nearly three and a half hours of deliberation. In addition to manslaughter, Clement was found guilty of providing false information to law enforcement during a violent crime investigation. The decision, reached after a seven-day trial, marks a pivot from the initial charges levied against Clement in 2021, which included second-degree murder. Iron County Trial Court Judge Donald Powell stated during the … Read more

San Diego Braces for New Law Expanding Criteria for Involuntary Detention: A Closer Look at SB 43’s Impact on First Responders and Mental Health Services

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San Diego, California – In the bustling streets of San Diego County, law enforcement and first responders are gearing up for a significant shift in their approach to mental health crises. Beginning January 1, these frontline professionals will be thrust into the role of making critical health assessments under a new law that broadens the criteria for involuntary detention due to grave disability. The change comes with the implementation of Senate Bill 43, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The law aims to address the need for government conservatorship among the unhoused population, who are often … Read more