Matter of Mental Commitment of Aaron JJ

LOUIS B. BUTLER, JR., J.

¶ 5. {dissenting). I agree with the per curiam opinion that some of the questions which may be essential to the proper resolution of this case were either not addressed or not sufficiently presented by the parties' briefs and oral arguments. I also agree that this case implicates a potential issue of mootness. Nevertheless, because of the important liberty interests that are concerned here for people suffering from a mental illness, and because I am uncertain of the source of any statutory authority for a so-called "voluntary commitment" procedure,2 I would order supplemental briefs in this matter. Accordingly, I respectfully dissent.

See Wis. Stat. §§51.10 (voluntary admission of adults), 51.13 (admission of minors), 51.15 (emergency detention), and 51.20 (involuntary commitment for treatment). All references are to the 2003-04 Wisconsin Statutes.