MENTAL HEALTH LAW

PSYCH 401

Focuses on the role that psychological principles, research evidence and social science play in the laws of U.S. society, especially in the policies and mechanisms of social control of human behavior. Topics include: the ways society defines membership; the role of psychology determining who should be excluded or restricted from open society; how selected processes work in the legal and social context; students' own roles as citizens in supporting or changing these social processes; clinical-legal processes used to determine the disposition of individuals considered marginal in society; mechanisms used to exclude individuals from open society through criminal and civil court processes; the role of psychology as a science; and the role of psychologists as behavioral experts in criminal and civil courts, and in shaping social policies.

LAW 862

Represent people in prison in Wisconsin seeking relief from excessive sentences; may include people suffering from severe mental illness. Interview clients at correctional institutions, conduct legal and factual research, draft letters and motions, and possibly deliver oral argument in court; work on motions for sentence modification, petitions for sentence adjustment, and parole advocacy; reflect on the lawyer's role in the criminal legal system, explore the causes of the disparate impact of criminal punishment on marginalized populations.

PSYCHIAT 933

Broad set of experiences in public health service and public health advocacy, and exposure to a number of community resources and organizations. Spend time within a mental health integrated care setting under faculty supervision. These models of care have been shown to be cost-effective ways of delivering mental health care to large numbers of patients, thereby addressing a public health need given the serious shortage of Psychiatrists. Work with the Wisconsin Medical Society to receive media training and write and record a public service announcement on a Psychiatric public health issue. Receive Advocacy training. Attend meetings of local professional advocacy organizations (e.g., the Wisconsin Medical Society, Dane County Medical Society) with the Course Director, dependent on time of enrollment.

LAW 935

Provides an overview of the complex laws governing the health care industry and the practical realities of lawyers specializing in this practice area. Covers the key laws and regulations that comprise the practice of health care law.

PSYCH 809

An introduction to the legal and ethical issues inherent to the conduct and process of professional clinical psychology. Reviews selected theories of moral philosophy, the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles and Codes of Conduct for Psychologists, other APA Standards and Guidelines and Wisconsin legal statutes governing the practice of psychology. Integrated with group case discussions and students. Use this as a forum to discuss ethical and legal issues pertinent to their ongoing clinical cases. Focuses on introducing ethical principles; Wisconsin statutes; ethics and legal obligations when clients report suicidal or homicidal thoughts/actions; reporting of neglect and abuse; and record keeping.