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Mark Rivers v. Stephen Katz

New York Court of Appeals

504 N.Y.S.2d 74 (1986)

Facts

In 1984, three involuntarily committed patients, including Mark Rivers (plaintiff), sought declaratory and injunctive relief against Stephen Katz (defendant), commissioner of Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center. Rivers was forcibly medicated with antipsychotic drugs pursuant to a court order entered after an administrative review. Rivers argued that he had a constitutionally protected right to refuse the medication. The lower court dismissed all complaints, finding that the three patients were unable to competently choose their treatment in light of their involuntary commitment. Separate appeals were filed, and the court of appeals consolidated the cases.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Alexander, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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