This book explains why American mental health law and policy now emphasize "law and order" rather than individualized justice and civil liberties, and why mental health law is currently being reshaped to protect society rather than the mentally ill.

Introduction: Madness and Responsibility 1. The Pendulum of Social Movement 2. Mental Illness and Criminal Responsibility 3. Rethinking the Insanity Defense in the Neoconservative Era 4. The Fate of the Insane Offender in the Neoconservative Era 5. The Liberal Era of Involuntary Commitment 6. The Neoconservative Era of Civil Commitment 7. The Road Back 8. Does Legal Reform Make a Difference? 9. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The Future of Mental Health Law and Policy References Index

John Q. LaFondProfessor of Law, University of Puget Sound School of Law, Mary L. DurhamAssociate Professor, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington

"The authors, both national experts, one in law and the other in public health, offer a stimulating analysis of the history, societal value changes, and law reforms that affect how we view and care for the mentally ill. Very useful section with notes; comprehensive bibliography. . . . clear and insightful style . . . " --Choice |k No