Taylor v. STATE DEPT. OF MENTAL HEALTH

This is a recommitment case.

In May 1992 the Director of Searcy Hospital petitioned to renew Joseph Taylor's inpatient commitment to the custody of the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (Department). After an ore tenus hearing, the probate court granted the petition, renewing Taylor's commitment for a period not to exceed one year. Taylor appeals.

As discussed at length by this court in Thomas v. State Dep'tof Mental Health Mental Retardation, [Ms. 2910493, December 11, 1992], 1992 WL 362095 (Ala.Civ.App. 1992), recommitment hearings in Alabama proceed under the…