Marchman and Baker Acts.

After nearly 37 years of being a Florida Bar member, I write you for the first time. The idea that Florida lawyers and judges are leading an effort to involuntarily commit people with mental health or substance abuse problems for up to 10 days without a hearing is sickening. And all in the name of court efficiency.

Please understand that "commit" means to lock up. No such "commitment" would be allowed in the criminal justice system. How can lawyers and judges advocate for such a result in a civil justice system? Judges may seek more court efficiency, but the idea that court...