PART I OF THE REPORT CONCERNS LEGAL PROBLEMS THAT ARISE IN THE TREATMENT OF MENTALLY ILL PERSONS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO, BECAUSE OF THEIR DISORDERS, ARE UNWILLING TO BE EXAMINED OR TREATED. THE DISCUSSION TOUCHES ON LAWS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING COMMITMENT, CONSENT TO TREATMENT, PATIENTS' RIGHTS, PATIENTS' ESTATES, AND REVIEWS OF PATIENTS. A GENERAL APPROACH TO LEGISLATIVE REFORM IN THE AREA OF MENTAL ILLNESS IS OUTLINED, TOGETHER WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ASSURING THAT MENTAL PATIENTS' CIVIL RIGHTS ARE NOT ABRIDGED. INCLUDED ARE SUGGESTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CHANGES IN ONTARIO'S MENTAL HEALTH ACT, AND IN PROCEDURES OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. PART II OF THE REPORT SUMMARIZES ISSUES IN THE EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT OF PERSONS WHO BECOME INVOLVED IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS. EXISTING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR OFFENDERS ARE DESCRIBED, AND THEIR UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION AMONG REGIONS IS NOTED. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES IN ONTARIO ARE PRESENTED, WITH EMPHASIS ON COOPERATION BETWEEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES AND GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDERS. A BIBLIOGRAPHY (65 REFERENCES) AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ARE INCLUDED.