Involuntary commitment hearing; upon request, district court judge, etc. may restrict attendance. (SB1080)
Introduced By
Progress
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Introduced |
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Passed Committee |
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Passed House |
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Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Involuntary commitment; place of hearing. Provides that, upon the request of the respondent or his attorney, a district court judge or special justice may restrict attendance at an involuntary commitment hearing to persons whose participation is required for proper conduct of the hearing and those whose presence is requested by the respondent upon a finding that (i) such restriction is necessary to protect the respondent's health, safety, or privacy and (ii) the respondent's interest in the restriction outweighs the public's interest in attendance by any person who would be excluded. Amends § 37.2-820 (“Place of hearing.”), of the Code of Virginia. View Full Text »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
View Bill's History
Comments
Thank you House Courts of Justice Committee! :)
Commitment hearings were opened up for good reason by the General Assembly in the '90's. Secret courts can not long be fair courts and abuses will occur if the public including the press and advocates can not keep an eye on the process as it unfolds. The respondent can already request to have the hearing closed, giving special justices this power and attorneys is a very bad idea that will put us back where we were years ago and is anti-American.
Thank you House Courts of Justice for preventing abuses of the commitment process and not allowing secret courts in Virginia!