Atascadero State Hospital V. Scanlon

Atascadero State Hospital v. Scanlon is a landmark legal case in the field of mental health law. The case was decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1985 and has had a significant impact on the rights of involuntarily committed patients in mental health hospitals across the United States.

Background

Atascadero State Hospital is a forensic psychiatric hospital located in Atascadero, California. The hospital primarily serves patients who have been committed by the courts for treatment. In 1985, a patient named Scanlon brought a lawsuit against the hospital, alleging that his civil rights had been violated.

The Case

Scanlon argued that the hospital had violated his rights under the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees due process and equal protection under the law. Specifically, he claimed that the hospital had failed to provide him with adequate mental health treatment and had unlawfully restrained him.

The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of Atascadero State Hospital. The court held that the hospital had not violated Scanlon's rights, as it had provided him with appropriate treatment and had not unlawfully restrained him. The court also noted that the hospital had a legitimate interest in maintaining the safety and security of its patients and staff.

Impact

The Atascadero State Hospital v. Scanlon case has had a significant impact on mental health law in the United States. It has been cited in numerous subsequent cases and has helped to shape the legal framework for the treatment of involuntarily committed patients. The case has also highlighted the importance of ensuring that mental health hospitals provide appropriate treatment and respect the rights of their patients.

See Also

• Mental health law
• Involuntary commitment
• Civil rights
• Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution