Non voluntary hospitalizations due to mental disorders are a therapeutic measure that should ensure either the right of the patient to be treated with dignity, as well as the safety of the other individuals who have the right to be protected. However, some researchers have called attention to the occurrence of hospitalizations not completely based on therapeutic needs. Thus, this study had as its investigation object the jurisprudence of the Catalonia/Spain Independent Community Court on the demands of non voluntary hospitalization of people with mental disorders. This research aimed to describe the variables presented in the resolutions of second instance Courts related to non voluntary hospitalizations due to mental disorders and to analyze the judges' position in the light of bioethical principles. Descriptive statistics and categorization of central ideas were employed as the analysis method, according to the Collective Subject Speech. The judges of Catalonia are facing the demand of people aiming at hospitalizing their family members claiming that hospitalization is a protection measure to the patient, whom, in most cases, is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Fifteen central ideas were identified on judicial decisions, analyzed according to the bioethical principles of principlism. The principle of beneficence seems to outshine all the others in judicial decisions. Authors concluded that not only the Justice System, but the society, medicine and the State play important roles in the approach to this issue.
compulsory hospitalization; person with mental disorders; justice system; bioethics
