FOLLOW-UP ON BAXSTROM PATIENTS RETURNED TO HOSPITALS FOR THE CRIMINALLY INSANE

• NCJ Number: 9427
• Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 130 Issue: 3 Dated: (MARCH 1973) Pages: 317-319
• Author(s): H J STEADMAN
• Date Published: 1973
• Length: 2 pages
• Corporate Author: American Psychiatric Assoc
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

OF 967 PATIENTS TRANSFERRED FROM HOSPITALS FOR THE CRIMINALLY INSANE TO CIVIL MENTAL HOSPITALS AS A RESULT OF THE BAXSTROM CASE, 26 WERE RETURNED TO THE FORMER.

Abstract

IN THE BAXSTROM CASE THE SUPREME COURT HELD THAT A NEW YORK STATUTE ALLOWING MENTALLY ILL PRISONERS TO BE RE-COMMITTED CIVILLY TO A HOSPITAL FOR THE CRIMINALLY INSANE AFTER COMPLETING THEIR SENTENCES WAS UNCONSTITUTIONAL. THIS FOLLOW-UP STUDY INDICATES THAT NO FACTORS SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENTIATED THE 26 RETURNEES FROM THOSE WHO REMAINED IN THE CIVIL MENTAL HOSPITALS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)