In Re the Mental Commitment of Tarpley

The majority has reached an understandable and even perhaps Solomon-like result in this matter. See Carr v. Dorenkamper (1990) 2nd Dist.Ind.App., 556 N.E.2d 1333, trans. denied. To be sure, the order to Tarpley to take medication, while continuing in an out-patient status is less restrictive and invasive than forcible medication under an involuntary commitment as an in-patient. Nevertheless, it is within the qualified right and prerogative of the individual to refuse such medication. Further, in my view, an order to the patient compelling him to take medication may not, under existing law, be…