Mental Health Law

Mental Health Law not only gives a plain but critical account of all the law for health and social care professionals working or training to work in the field, as well as for legal practitioners and students, but also enlivens it with discussion of the principles and policies involved, and with commentary to stimulate debate.This book covers all issues, from the informal and compulsory care and treatment of people with mental disorders, decision-making on behalf of people who lack the capacity to make decisions for themselves, the safeguards against unjustified deprivation of liberty, the role of mental health professionals, doctors and families in making these decisions, and the powers of tribunals and the courts.The relevance of mental disorder in the criminal justice system and its effect upon other legal rights such as voting, marrying and making wills are also covered.This new edition is now completely revised and updated to take in the latest legal developments.Key updates to the