Romeo,Romeo,where Art Thou Romeo: Before the Court at the Mercy of Institutional Professionals

Abstract

The legal ramifications of treatment in psychiatric and mental institutions have stirred significant comment over the past decade. The court decisions in Romeo v. Youngberg consider the damages to individuals receiving treatment in these institutions. In a sharp departure from the past, the court has established standards of care that must be met by professionals and institutions with regard to (1) shackling, (2) protection of patients from attack, (3) adequacy of treatment, and (4) deprivation of liberty.