Abrams Fensterman Partner, Douglas Stern, was recently quoted in a report by Gothamist. He was asked to share insights into the legal challenges surrounding a Bronx stabbing incident, where a “Bronx man accused by police of stabbing a 14-year-old to death in an unprovoked attack suffered from schizophrenia and refused attempts to get him necessary medication and hospitalization.”
Stern highlights the delicate balance between protecting individual liberty and ensuring public safety, a crucial aspect of mental health legislation.
“We have this very long-standing, comprehensive set of legislation, which is very protective of a person’s liberty.”
He explained the frequent outcome of such cases, and pointed out the difficulties under the current laws, which require clear evidence that individuals pose a danger to themselves or others before treatment can be mandated.
“What happens most often for people like Waldo Mejia is they remain hospitalized for only a few days before being released… It’s just this revolving door.”
