civil commitment

noun

: court-ordered institutionalization of a person suffering from mental illness, alcoholism, or drug addiction usually upon a finding that the person is dangerous to himself or herself or to others

Dictionary Entries Near civil commitment

Cite this Entry

“Civil commitment.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/civil%20commitment. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

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