Abstract
This chapter describes the legal framework typically provided, in common law jurisdictions, for delivery of compulsory psychiatric care outside hospital, under what is usually known as a Community Treatment Order. It discusses the criteria for placing a person under such an order, the conditions with which the person will usually be expected to comply when under it and the powers available to enforce those conditions. Particular scrutiny is directed to whether compulsory community treatment can be justified, under human rights law, considering the limits obviously imposed on a person's rights. The answer, it is suggested, depends on whether compulsory community care is considered less restrictive than compulsory hospital care, and whether release from all compulsion at the time the person leaves hospital would be a viable alternative. The chapter concludes by discussing a decision of the UK Supreme Court concerning the scope of the community treatment powers conferred in England and Wales, and by discussing the empirical research concerning the efficacy of Community Treatment Orders in achieving their aims. The overall conclusion reached is that the use of Community Treatment Orders should be approached with great caution.