The mentally ill have long since been regarded with suspicion and trepidation. Throughout history, individuals who had mental conditions were shunned, isolated, and treated inhumanely. They were believed to be unnatural beings with evil spirits or devils possessing them, and thus they were kept from proper treatment and comfort. Even present day, with our advanced knowledge of science, mentally ill individuals are still treated with a blatant lack of consideration. Such mistreatment stems from a fear of the unknown; words like "schizophrenic" and "bipolar" are riddled with dangerous uncertainty. In court, lawyers easily play upon this lurking fear and turns proceedings against mentally ill victims. In law, public fear or violent actions by mentally ill patients result in mandates that leave patients little choice in the type and level of treatment they receive. In a country where we pledge equality and liberty for all, we isolate those plagued by conditions they cannot control. We deny them decent and respectful treatment that any human being deserves. This needs to stop. Those whose views are not misconstrued must step up as allies of the mentally ill, whose silent cries of suffering have not been efficient in conveying their plight to the public. The rights of an individual are important, not just to the person himself/herself, but to those they influence and effect as well.