The paper reviews issues in the Wyatt versus Stickney court case concerning the constitutional right to treatment for institutionalized persons with mental retardation. Among topics considered are the role of the American Association of Mental Deficiency in the court proceedings, the original intent of the case as an employee action, and the content of the eventual consent decree settling the litigation in 1986. The key elements of the consent decree are explained, including the return of control of the system to the state of Alabama and the replacement of the office of court monitor with a state-operated advocacy system. It is concluded that the settlement not only preserves the benefits of the original litigation but sets a forward tone for the future. Accomplishments in the state's system serving persons with mental retardation are summarized, and it is noted that despite some economic and political disincentives the state's community system continues to grow. (CL)