Prior to involuntary treatment with psychotropic medication, the inmate shall receive a hearing before a panel consisting of a psychiatrist, a physician, and a representative of the warden, none of whom may have participated in the inmate’s current diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment. The inmate has the right to notice of the hearing, the right to attend the hearing, and the right to present evidence and crossexamine witnesses, and the right to representation by a disinterested lay advisor knowledgeable about psychological issues. The panel may order involuntary treatment with psychotropic medication by majority vote of the panel if the psychiatrist is in the majority. The inmate may appeal the decision of the panel to the secretary of corrections. The inmate may appeal the decision of the secretary to circuit court pursuant to chapter 1-26.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 24-2-33

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.

Source: SL 1996, ch 159, § 2.