In re Penelope W.
Annotate this Case“Penelope W.” appealed lower courts’ decisions that involuntarily committed her to a state psychiatric center. In all aspects of her case, Penelope represented herself. The trial court concluded that she was mentally ill, and that she presented a likelihood of serious harm to herself and others. The appellate court denied Penelope’s appeal because she failed to comply with the court’s briefing requirements. On appeal to the Supreme Court, Penelope argued that she should not have been allowed to proceed at trial without counsel, particularly since involuntary commitment was at stake. The Supreme Court found although there is a limited right to self-representation in criminal cases, the same cannot be said for a civil commitment proceeding. The Court affirmed the trial court’s decision that ordered Penelope to be committed.
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