Opinion
No. 2014AP2845.
2015-07-15
In the matter of the MENTAL COMMITMENT OF M.M.L.: Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services, Petitioner–Respondent, v. M.M.L., Respondent–Appellant.
Rawski opined that M.M.L. was dangerous under the third and fourth standards. See Wis. Stat. § 51.20(1)(a)2.c., d. Rawski's testimony included several references to statements made by family members about M.M. L.'s recent actions. In response to M.M. L.'s counsel's hearsay objection, Rawski indicated that the information regarding the family members' statements was from the collateral reports and the emergency detention paperwork that he routinely relies upon in making his report. The court allowed Rawski's testimony. VerWert concluded that M.M.L. was “dangerous because he/she presents a probability of physical impairment or injury to self because of impaired judgment manifested by evidence of a pattern of recent acts or omissions.” Both VerWert and Rawski were court-appointed examiners, see § 51.20(9)(a)1., whose written reports were filed with the court and were part of the record, see § 51.20(9)(a)5., and upon whose reports the court could rely.