Forensic topics are discussed in relation to the right to refuse treatment among involuntary hospitalized patients. A clinical case is reported emphasizing the medical and legal dilemmas which the psychiatrist has to cope with. Different legal procedures are examined and their deficiencies discussed; the right to refuse treatment is discussed with reference to recent cases heard in the U. S., The Charter of Rights of the Canadian Constitution 1981 and the “Charte des droits de la personne du Québec”. The recommended solution in cases of treatment refusal among involuntary patients centers on the judiciary determination of incompetency of such patients.
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GutheilT.G.The right to refuse treatment. In: Psychiatry Annual Review.American Psychiatric Press, 1982, Chap. 26: 379–324.
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La Charte des droits et libertés, Constitution Canadienne1981; Ministre des Approvisionnements et Services Canada 1982.
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La Charte des droits et libertés de la personne, Province de Québec; Commission des droits de la personne du Québec.
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Rennie vs Klein, 462 F. Supp. 1131 (D NJ 1979)
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