Shocking Evidence of Sense from Judges

6/9/16 Seattle Times:

The Washington Supreme Court has upheld a 2013 law that simplifies the process for holding mentally ill people charged with violent felonies after efforts to restore their competency fail.

If a person is found incompetent to stand trial and treatment doesn’t work, the charges against them are dropped. The new law lets the state quickly commit those offenders for extended periods if prosecutors can show the person is likely to commit another violent act.

Lawyers for two offenders challenged the law, arguing it violated their rights. A trial court commissioner agreed and found the law unconstitutional.