This paper revolves around Law and Psychiatry, you are to prepare a report on the laws governing compulsory psychiatric treatment, particularly committal under the Mental Health Act and relations between the mental health and criminal justice. You are supposed to explain the legal definitions of “mental disorder” and review procedures. Furthermore, include the disposition of mentally disordered offenders and confidentiality and access to psychiatric records.

Law and Psychiatry involves a study of laws governing compulsory psychiatric treatment, particularly committal under the Mental Health Act and relations between the mental health and criminal justice systems.

Expected learning outcomes

Students will understand:

• Legal definitions of ‘mental disorder’
• Standards governing compulsory psychiatric assessment, detention and treatment
• Mental disorder and violence
• Review procedures
• The disposition of mentally disordered offenders
• Confidentiality and access to psychiatric records