The Role of Addington V Texas on Involuntary Civil Commitment

The United States Supreme Court in 1979 set the standard for involuntary commitment. This decision, styled Addington v Texas, raised the burden of proof required to commit persons from the usual civil burden of proof of “preponderance of the evidence” to “clear and convincing” evidence. There was no reduction in the rates of commitment as a result of the decision. The proportion of patients committed in Texas grew in almost linear fashion during the years 1972–1986. Various economic, sociological, and treatment factors may have more influence on commitment of patients than does a court decision.