Matter of Conrad

This is an appeal from an order determining Faye Conrad (appellant) to be a mentally ill person and committing him to the custody of the Mental Health Division pursuant to ORS 426.005 through 426.170. The crucial issue is whether there was sufficient evidence at the hearing for the trial court to find that appellant was mentally ill within the meaning of ORS 426.005(2). 1 We review de novo. See State v. O’Neill, 274 Or 59, 545 P2d 97 (1976).

On August 12, 1977, a hearing was held to determine appellant’s mental health. Appellant elected not to testify. The substance of the testimony at the…