State v. Addington

This case involves the determination of the proper standard of proof to be employed to indefinitely commit an individual under the Texas Mental Health Code, Tex.Rev. Civ.Stat.Ann. art. 5547-1, et seq. We hold that the State must prove its case by clear and convincing evidence. The judgment of the court of civil appeals is reversed and the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

The State of Texas filed a petition in the probate court to have Frank O’Neal Add-ington indefinitely committed to a mental hospital. The probate court submitted the case on special issues, and the jury found by…