The new French mental health law regarding psychiatric involuntary treatment

Abstract

The French Republic has had four laws governing the detention of people with a mental illness. The first dates from 1838 and remained in place until 1990. The most recent one was issued on 27 September 2013; it confirmed the role of the judge and strengthened the legal procedures. This new French mental health law is an attempt to find a balance between the protection of patients' rights and the need for treatment.