Thomas Szasz and Civil Commitment

Thomas Szasz was very much against Civil Commitment (5150s) because he thought it was wrong to strip people of some Civil Rights before they had actually caused harm to themselves or others. He also believed that we should allow people to be themselves until they broke a law, then proceed with criminal cases (i.e., you do you until you break the law, then we take you to criminal court with misdemeanors or felonies, but no treatment).

Given what you’ve learned in this week’s lecture, throughout this semester with each diagnosis, and what you came to the class knowing, do you agree with Szazs? Be specific in what you agree/disagree with and please explain your answer. If you agree with Szazs, then you must explain how society should approach individuals who are suicidal, homicidal and/or gravely disabled due to mental health issues in place of mandatory psycho holds.

Please never share more than you’re comfortable sharing and please do not disclose your own mental health diagnoses. This post should be a minimum of 200 word