Questione giuridica chiave
Whether the refusal of free legal counsel in the involuntary-commitment appeal was lawful.
Decisione estratta
The refusal was unlawful because the appellant’s severe psychiatric condition prevented him from adequately protecting his rights without a lawyer.
Motivazione estratta
Under Art. 29(3) BV, counsel is required when a needy party is seriously affected and the case presents factual, legal, or personal difficulties. Given the strong interference of the proceedings and the appellant’s documented psychiatric decompensation, the need for legal assistance was established.