Mental health advocates push for more in-person civil commitment hearings

Several mental health advocates sent a letter to Minnesota court administrators Monday raising concerns over a policy that holds civil commitment court hearings virtually instead of in person, which the letter's authors say is exacerbating an already-confusing legal process for people with severe mental illnesses. The letter, sent to State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba, also says the virtual policy may be limiting a person's chance to meet with their attorney during before these hearings, diminishing their ability to present a defense. "It is not uncommon for individuals to meet their...