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.
Spring 2026
| Section | Title | Instructor | books | eservices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Mental Health and the Law | Harowski, Kathy J |
Summer 2026
| Section | Title | Instructor | books | eservices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Mental Health and the Law | Harowski, Kathy J |
Fall 2026
| Section | Title | Instructor | books | eservices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Mental Health and the Law | Harowski, Kathy J |