Kendra's Law Case Study

Individuals with mental health problems are often times feared by the community; this fear reached an all-time high in New York City in 1999. Kendra Webdale was waiting for her subway train to arrive, when an individual by the name of Andrew Goldstein approached her and asked her if she knew the time. Shortly after, without any warning the man pushed Kendra onto an upcoming train and died instantly. It was later found that Mr. Goldstein had schizophrenia and at the time was not taking his medication. This event caused the public to be upset and demand for safety precautions for the community against individuals like Mr. Goldstein. The Kendra law became effective that same year, allowing courts to order certain individuals with mental illnesses …show more content…
The pilot program not only evaluated an individual’s mental state, but also took into consideration their past history whether violence had been an issue or not. This program allowed for individuals to fight their case and refuse the mandatory intake of their medications. Another difference between these two programs the evaluation of the amount of times an individual required hospitalization due to the failure to comply with treatment. While the Pilot program only evaluated hospitalization over eighteen months, the Kendra law evaluated over a period of thirty-six months. Kendra’s law placed a significant value on the hospitalization, regardless whether the hospitalization had a direct association with the mental illness or not. This would jeopardize individuals who wouldn’t truly require outpatient commitment and take a toll on their everyday …show more content…
By allow Kendra’s Law to be practiced is a form in which society and the government show that what matters is the well-being of those who they feel are able to make rational decisions on their own and function without medications. Kendra’s law has good intentions however, based on the evidence provided revision is definitely needed in order to ensure protection of rights for the individuals who are being treated for their mental illnesses. These individuals should be provided with treatment that will enhance their quality of life and not simply find a quick cure for whatever symptoms may be present. Mentally ill individuals should have a say when it comes to their treatment. More information regarding their treatment should be provided to them in a way where they are able to comprehend. This could lead to them being more compliant to their treatments and could possibly achieve better