Present New York law authorizes persons to be committed for their 'welfare' as others perceive it for them. This report points out that even if commitment were in the best interests of the mentally ill person—if hospitalization helped him

rather than making him worse—we do not force physically ill individuals to act in their best interests. Nor does police power justify involuntary admission of the allegedly mentally ill. Other potentially dangerous groups, former felons for example, are not singled out for preventive detention. Involuntary admission should be authorized only if there are no less drastic alternatives available. The charge that a person is a danger to himself and others should require proof beyond reasonable doubt, and other safeguards should be instituted.