Report as to Proposed Pilot Project on the Electronic Monitoring of Forensic Mental Health Patients

Authors

Elaine Gibson, Schulich School of Law, Health Law Institute, Dalhousie UniversityFollow
Leah Hutt, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University
Sheila Wildeman, Dalhousie University Schulich School of LawFollow
Constance MacIntosh, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie UniversityFollow

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

This report was undertaken in response to a request from the Nova Scotia government for assistance in identifying and analyzing legal issues related to the potential establishment of a pilot project. The project would involve the use of electronic monitoring (EM) of forensic mental health patients (patients) detained at the East Coast Forensic Hospital (ECFH) who are exercising indirectly supervised and unescorted community access (community access). The purpose of our analysis is not to determine if an EM policy or its application violates any laws. Rather, the purpose is to consider whether there are factors that may support legal challenges and ensure government is aware of their relevance to the potential implementation of the proposed pilot project. The relevance of these issues will need to be revisited as details of an EM policy, if any, are developed. We provide the following guidance based on the context of which we are aware. Our analysis does not constitute nor should it be construed as legal advice.

Comments

Prepared for Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. Also available through NovaNet at https://dal.novanet.ca/permalink/01NOVA_DAL/1vjc6md/alma990052064090107190

Recommended Citation

Elaine Gibson et al, Report as to Proposed Pilot Project on the Electronic Monitoring of Forensic Mental Health Patients (Halifax: Dalhousie University Health Law Institute, 2014).