In Re Johnnie Barnard, Patient

This case came before this court 'on motions by both parties for summary disposition and appellant’s request for oral argument and expedited consideration. We granted the latter requests because the legality of the continued involuntary detention of appellant Johnnie Barnard was in question. At issue is the correctness of an order issued by the District Court on November 30, 1971, which held that appellant was being legally detained under D.C. Code §§ 21-523, 21-524 (1967).

The factual background of this case is not entirely clear from the record. We do know that on November 21, 1971, an…