In ever larger numbers each year, many of those with serious mental
illnesses end up in the criminal justice system. In this class, we
will explore the clinical and legal aspects of law and psychiatry as
a way to understand both why this phenomenon happens and how the
legal system deals with these individuals.  We begin by looking at
the symptoms of and treatments for major mental illnesses.  We next
examine civil commitment laws, followed by the laws of criminal
competency, insanity, and treatment refusal.  In our last section,
we will look at the legal ramifications of psychiatric disorders
that are no less debilitating, yet that are not as “flagrant” as the
most severe disorders.  In each section we will begin by examining
the clinical issues involved.  Next, we will examine in detail a
variety of court opinions dealing with the issues, as a way to
understand a). the Constitutional rights and liberties mentally ill
individuals may (or may not) assert, and b). the standard arguments
used to support or to oppose these rights and liberties.  Finally we
will read accounts of real individuals who have been affected by the
disorders  and the legal consequences that we will be studying.  In
the Intensive Writing portion of the course, we will then focus on
how to make clear and cogent arguments concerning these very complex
topics.

Class Meeting:  Monday, 2:30-5:00

Instructor:  Rodney Deaton, criminal justice department