Matter of Salem

ARNOLD, Judge.

Under the statute as it existed prior to June 1974 a person could be involuntarily committed when determined “by reason of the commission of overt acts [that] the person is violent and of imminent danger to himself or others, or is gravely disabled.” [G.S. 122-58.6 (a) (1973)] The present statute provides,

“To support a commitment order, the court is required to find by clear, cogent and convincing evidence, that the respondent is mentally ill or inebriate, and imminently dangerous to himself or others.” G.S. 122-58.7 (i).

Respondents assert the unconstitutionality of North…