[The problem of the current rights of mental patients facing commitment and regionalization]

Remarkably conceived, the law of 30 June 1838 requires only one actualization. It would be necessary to include some provisions there simply reinforcing the legal protection of the insane interned: procedure of habeas corpus, respect of the rights of defence (free communication with counsel). On the other hand, the rights of the mental patients hospitalized in open department in hospitals devoted to the insanes are singularly forgotten. These patients should profit by the same legal protections as the mental patients of psychiatric private clinics and public hospitals others that the particular hospitals for insanes (art. L. 353-2,3,4, code of public health). Lastly, the legislation on the sector should contain a clause pointing out the respect of the ethical principles and fundamental freedoms of the human person.