People v. Watson

Opinion

GEORGE, C. J.

Penal Code section 2684 1 provides for the transfer of a mentally ill prisoner to a state hospital under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Mental Health if it is determined that such a transfer would expedite the prisoner’s rehabilitation. A prisoner transferred pursuant to this statute is to remain in the state hospital “until in the opinion of the superintendent [of the hospital] the person has been treated to the extent that he or she will not benefit from further care and treatment in the state hospital.” (§ 2684.) In the present case we must decide whether a…