Final answer:
A patient may be court-ordered to receive treatment if diagnosed with a contagious disease threatening public health or if they may become financially dependent on the government. Additionally, courts mandate competency evaluations or treatments to ensure individuals can stand trial or undergo sentencing.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient may be ordered by the court to receive treatment in several instances. One common scenario is if a doctor diagnosed the patient with a contagious disease that poses a significant risk to public health. The court can mandate treatment to prevent the spread of the illness. Moreover, if a legal inspector deems that the patient's untreated condition might lead to them becoming dependent on government support, a court order for treatment could also be considered. The case law, such as Dusky v. United States, establishes that an individual must be competent to undergo legal proceedings, and the court may order evaluations or treatments to ensure the defendant's competency before a trial or execution as per Ford v. Wainwright. In criminal justice practice, these measures help uphold the right to a fair trial, including the right to legal representation as highlighted in cases such as the landmark Gideon's Trumpet.