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PSYC 508 Mental Health and the Law

This course addresses some of the major issues arising from the interaction of law and the mental health system. Following a legal system overview, topics include civil commitment, the right to treatment and to refuse treatment, legal and policy issues affecting the community mental health system, mental health considerations in the criminal justice process, and malpractice and other legal concerns affecting mental health professional practice.

Prerequisites

4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 1, 1998 to present

Learning outcomes

General

  • Can apply psychological principles to understand the motives and functioning of police officers, judges, and juries.
  • Understand the limitations of eyewitness testimony.
  • Understands the basic court procedures, as indicated by completion of Observation report and by performance on mid-term and final exam.
  • Understands the various roles played by psychologists and other professionals in the legal system.

Summer 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
21 Mental Health and the Law Harowski, Kathy J Books for PSYC-508-21 Summer 2024 Course details for PSYC-508-21 Summer 2024

Fall 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
21 Mental Health and the Law Harowski, Kathy J Books for PSYC-508-21 Fall 2024 Course details for PSYC-508-21 Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Section Title Instructor books eservices
21 Mental Health and the Law Harowski, Kathy J Books for PSYC-508-21 Spring 2025 Course details for PSYC-508-21 Spring 2025