ABSTRACT
Some of the most contentious and complex issues in psychiatry are those surrounding the compulsory detention and treatment of patients with mental disorders for assessment and treatment. ese issues raise important questions such as ‘To what extent should a person suering mental disorder be held responsible for their behaviour (e.g. is it fair to punish a man who smashes a window in response to “voices” over which he has no control as they are part of a mental illness)?’ If the individual is not fully responsible then should their freedom be limited ‘for their own good’ (i.e. should the same man be taken to hospital against his will if he cannot be held accountable for his actions)?
