The best source for a comprehensive overview of mental competency in criminal, mental disability, and civil law, Competence in the Law prepares mental health professionals to assess questions of both civil and criminal competence and to counsel lawyers and judges in cases in which these issues are germane. A landmark contribution to forensic practice, this book equips you to expertly address critical issues faced in conducting assessments within the legal system.

Prepares mental health professionals to thoroughly assess questions of civil and criminal competence

Written by experts in the fields of mental disability law and forensic psychology, Competence in the Law prepares mental health professionals to understand the law, consider questions of civil and criminal competence, and knowledgeably counsel lawyers and judges in cases in which mental competency issues are germane.

The first single-volume resource of its kind, Competence in the Law:

• Examines the landmark cases that have set precedents in this area
• Presents in-depth discussion of criminal competencies, such as competency to stand trial, plead guilty, or waive counsel
• Explores questions of competency in civil law matters, such as custody and estates
• Considers the relationship between competency and the institutionalization of persons with mental disabilities
• Identifies commonalities between court decisions in discrete areas of the law

A landmark contribution to forensic practice, Competence in the Law presents the most relevant and accurate information and equips mental health professionals to expertly address critical issues faced in conducting assessments within the legal system.