The first chapter outlines evidence needed for civil commitment for chemical dependency, mental illness, and mental retardation. The next concepts examined are the insanity plea, prepetition screening to divert all possible patients away from the courts, and prerequisites for detention prior to a court hearing. Requirements for a petition, due process rights regarding professional assistance for the patient, and the probable cause hearing are explained. Following an overview of elements involved in a hearing, a chapter describes procedural alternatives: voluntary treatment, guardianship, conservatorship, conditional continuance, stayed commitment, and both outpatient and inpatient commitment. Alternatives for minors are discussed. Other chapters address alternative treatment methods, involuntary medication, and intrusive therapy. The rights of patients are described, as are types of release, judicial review procedures, and administrative structures. References accompany individual chapters.