In re the Involuntary Treatment of: L.T.S.

¶1 L.T.S. appeals the trial court’s order committing him for involuntary mental health treatment. He argues the trial court improperly commented on the evidence in violation of article IV, section 16 of the Washington Constitution when it gave a jury instruction based on RCW 71.05.285. Because the instruction was based on substantive law, not legislative intent—as was the case in In re Detention of R.W., 98 Wn. App. 140, 988 P.2d 1034 (1999)—we hold the instruction was not constitutionally prohibited and affirm.

FACTS

¶2 In January 2016, L.T.S. was receiving outpatient mental health services…