Date of Award
1975
Document Type
Senior Scholars Paper (Open Access)
Department
Colby College. Psychology Dept.
Advisor(s)
Perez, Paul
Second Advisor
James M. Gillespie
Third Advisor
George S. Maier
Abstract
This paper traces the historical development in the State of Maine of the procedures by which persons found to be mentally unsound can be committed to institutional care against their will. Beginning in 1820 and continuing to the present, specific changes in the statutes governing this area are noted. Both the criminal and civil commitment procedures are dealt with. Following the historical trace, pending legislation relating to the criminal commitment process is examined in detail. Finally, consideration is given to the need for a complete reexamination of the practice of involuntary commitment involving ethical and constitutional issues.
Keywords
Mentally ill -- Commitment and detention, Mentally ill -- Care -- Maine -- History, Mental health laws
Recommended Citation
Muller, William Sewell, "Commitment of the Mentally Ill in Maine: a History of Public Policy" (1975). Senior Scholar Papers. Paper 191.https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/seniorscholars/191
Copyright
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