In re the Necessity of the Hospitalization of K. M. L.

OPINION

BURKE, Justice.

This appeal challenges the superior court’s authority to order the involuntary commitment of a moderately retarded individual.

In 1978, the parents of K.M.L. requested the State of Alaska to initiate commitment proceedings against their eighteen year old son, K.M.L. Their request was prompted, at least in part, by what they viewed as difficult behavior on the part of K.M.L.,1 *576who is moderately retarded.2

The state refused to initiate such proceedings, after concluding that there was no basis upon which K.M.L. could be involuntarily committed.3 The parents then hired their…