South Carolina § 23-31-1010 - Definitions.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-31-1010 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-31-1010. Definitions.
As used in this article:
(1) "Adjudicated as a mental defective" means a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental illness, mental incompetency, mental condition, or mental disease:
(a) is a danger to himself or to others; or
(b) lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage the person's own affairs.
The term includes:
(a) a finding of insanity by a court in a criminal case; and
(b) those persons found incompetent to stand trial or found not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility pursuant to Articles 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. Sections 850(a) and 876(b).
(2) "Committed to a mental institution" means a formal commitment of a person to a mental institution by a court of competent jurisdiction. The term includes a commitment to a mental institution involuntarily, and a commitment to a mental institution for mental defectiveness, mental illness, and other reasons, such as drug use. The term does not include a person in a mental institution for observation or a voluntary admission to a mental institution.
(3) "Mental institution" includes mental health facilities, mental hospitals, sanitariums, psychiatric facilities, and other facilities that provide diagnoses by licensed professionals of mental retardation or mental illness, including a psychiatric ward in a general hospital.
HISTORY: 2013 Act No. 22, SECTION 1, eff August 1, 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 23-31-1010
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-31-1010 cover?
Section 23-31-1010 ("Definitions.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 23-31-1010?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-31-1010" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 23-31-1010 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.