The passage is mainly concerned with ----.

The increasing visibility of homeless mentally ill
individuals, particularly in large cities, has aroused
public concern and prompted a move toward
reinstitutionalization. However, an important ethical
issue is involved. If such people are not readjusting
to society, should they be involuntarily committed to
a mental hospital? One of the most cherished civil
rights in a democratic society is the right to liberty. It
is essential that any action toward commitment
safeguard this right. Some experts believe that legal
action is warranted only if a person is potentially
dangerous to others. The rare, but highly publicized,
occasions when a mentally ill person experiencing a
psychotic episode attacks an innocent bystander
have generated fears for public safety. But
dangerousness is difficult to predict. Studies have
shown that mental health professionals are poor at
predicting whether a person will commit a dangerous
act. Moreover, the legal system is designed to
protect people from preventive detention.