Abstract

It is widely agreed that the mentally ill patient who presents a near-term risk of physical harm may appropriately be hospitalized and treated if symptoms of the illness prevent them from competently making treatment decisions. Every US state and territory has statutes to address this contingency, and the psychiatrist's participation is integral to the process. Yet, for many psychiatrists, assuming the role of the expert in court can be uncomfortable and intimidating. Even if one has had courtroom experience, the legal concepts and reasoning employed by the Court may not be well understood. In this article, basic legal concepts are explored so that psychiatrists can, in the interests of their patients, more effectively participate in the legal proceedings. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(5):e151–e154.]