Hey all :)
So in America, the judge decides whether somebody should be committed to a mental hospital or not ? I think this should entirely be the burden and the duty of psychiatrists (I'm already in Med School, and we study psychiatry with its medicolegal aspects, but not in America) .. I don't know if the movie got this part wrong or if this is the actual routine in America (I hope not).
Than you.
"Don Juan" was under psychiatric observation because of the apparent suicide attempt. This is more of a legal action. Apparently in New York (according to the script) it's 10 days. Since it's a legal commitment, it's entirely reasonable that a judge would have the final say regarding the fate of the patient. The psychiatrists provide their professional opinions, and the judge takes those opinions, and the other evidence, under consideration.
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