The case described in this paper is the basis of two verdicts, which a
re very important case law precedents. These verdicts, given in connec
tion with the new law for the treatment of the mentally ill, clarify t
he framework in which involuntary hospitalization in Israel is impleme
nted. These verdicts exemplify the shifting of authority, on the issue
of commitment, from the medical model to a more judicial one. Althoug
h the first step in the commitment system is still performed by a phys
ician (the district psychiatrist), the entire system is now under stri
ct judicial supervision, and the legal procedure is of utmost importan
ce.