This course examines constitutional provisions, statutes, regulations and case law relating to the interaction of mentally ill persons with the civil and criminal justice systems. In the civil realm, topics include the standards/procedures for commitment of civil patients to mental health facilities, the right to treatment, informed consent/the refusal of medication and assisted outpatient treatment. Criminal law topics include standards for determining competency to stand trial, the insanity defense, the post-conviction civil management of sex offenders and sex offender registration requirements.
Prerequisites
FMH-505