A special court devoted to non-violent cases of defendants with severe mental illnesses will open at 100 Centre Street in Manhattan, announced Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. on Wednesday. “The designation of a Mental Health Court in Manhattan will address the complex criminal justice challenges presented by defendants with serious mental illnesses and will promote greater safety for New Yorkers and greater equality for the mentally ill,” Vance said.
The court will be part of the New York State Supreme Court, with fairness Juan Merchan presiding. Other judges, prosecutors, and the Department of Probation officials, among others, will be able to refer cases to the Mental Health Court. The defendants will receive a psychiatric evaluation prior to the court’s recognition of the cases. Only cases of severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depression, will be accepted. “A significant percentage of defendants suffer from mental disorders—an issue that the courts and its criminal justice system partners simply cannot overlook,” stated New York state Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. “By addressing the underlying mental health issues driving the crime, the Manhattan Mental Health Court will help ensure more effectual, long-term resolutions,”.
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