summary  Severe social breakdown and self-neglect are both 'danger' criteria in the Dutch act entitled 'Exceptional Admissions to Psychiatric Hospitals', but neither term is clearly defined. On the basis of two patients, it is shown that psychiatrists and judges interpret these 'danger' criteria differently, according to their own views and attitudes. This leads to legal inequality stemming from personal preferences. A better definition of these 'danger' criteria is needed.