San Diego County Department of Social Services v. Walker

Opinion

WORK, J.

—John Thomas Walker (John) appeals a judgment appointing a public conservator for him in response to a petition by the San Diego County Department of Social Services Counselor in Mental Health (County). He contends (1) the court erred in giving or failing to give certain jury instructions resulting in denial of due process and (2) the court abused its discretion in denying a hearing on who was to be appointed conservator.

We hold the court made certain instructional errors, which were harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. We further hold that where proof to establish a…