In Re Betzler , 326 Mich. 105 ( 1949 )

On petition of Catherine Betzler, by her attorney, we issued a writ of habeas corpus to inquire into the cause of her detention in the Newberry State Hospital. The petition alleges that Catherine Betzler is a resident of the township of Ingallston, county of Menominee, State of Michigan; that she is restrained of her liberty by Joseph Betzler, her father, into whose custody she was paroled by Dr. E.H. Campbell, superintendent of Newberry State Hospital; that Catherine Betzler is not committed, detained, confined or restrained of her liberty by virtue of any process authorized by the statutes of the State of Michigan, but is detained by virtue of proceedings taken before the probate judge of Menominee county for the commitment of Catherine Betzler to a State mental institution as a mentally diseased person.

It appears that Catherine Betzler was born on a farm in 1913, attended a rural school, passed into but did not finish the eighth grade and quit school at the age of 13 years. She worked on her father's farm and for a short period attended a convent. On December 2, 1947, Edward J. Reindl, sheriff of Menominee county, signed a petition to have Catherine Betzler committed to an institution for the mentally diseased, in which it is stated that she "Has religious complex — with father — threatening him with knife — writes irresponsible letters."

Upon the filing of the petition, the judge of probate issued an order for service on Catherine Betzler and others for hearing on said petition at the office of the judge of probate on December 4, 1947, at 11 a.m.

On the hearing date, Dr. Henry T. Sethney certified that Catherine Betzler was mentally diseased, basing his opinion upon the following: "Extremely religious, very temperamental. Maniac type Psychosis. Destructive in house." Dr. John T. Kaye also certified: "Extreme religious type. Delusions of persecution. Fits of temper. Mania depressive type."

It is claimed in the petition for habeas corpus that no sworn testimony or proofs were taken or inquest held by the judge of probate. The records in the probate court support this claim.

CL 1948, § 330.21 (Stat Ann 1947 Cum Supp § 14.811), provides that:

"The court shall also institute an inquest, and take proofs, as to the alleged insanity, feeble-mindedness, or epilepsy of such person, and fully investigate the facts before making such order."

Failure to institute an inquest as provided by statute makes the commitment a nullity. See In re Davis, 277 Mich. 88. The proceedings in the probate court were fatally defective. An order may be entered releasing the petitioner.

We have been invited to inquire into the conduct of the judge of probate in other matters connected with her official conduct. We decline the invitation. If there are abuses that should be corrected, they should be presented in a proper proceeding.

BUSHNELL, BOYLES, REID, NORTH, DETHMERS, BUTZEL, and CARR, JJ., concurred.