Patforpres@... wrote:

> So the legal guardians petition the judge, who then grants them full
> right to legally coerce the "incompetent" adult.

This can happen whether or not the person is (in)competent. As long as
involuntary commitment is with us, nobody is safe.

> If we don't trust the psychiatrist
> (rightly) to make that decision, how are we to trust a judge?

I trust neither, but again, this has nothing to do with the competence
issue. Psychiatrists and judges exercise power over people's lives
regardless of whether they are competent or not.

> we may coerce only those who are guilty of a
> crime of violence.

Do you mean that if you see a toddler run into the street you will not
grab and restrain him?

Mira