1. Abnormal Psychology Second Canadian Edition
Gerald C. Davison
John M. Neale
Kirk R. Blankstein
Gordon L. Flett
Prepared by: Traci McFarlane

2. Legal and Ethical Issues
Chapter 18
Legal and Ethical Issues

3. Criminal Commitment Criminal commitment
Confining a person, who has broken the law, to a mental institution
Determination of competency to stand trial, or
After verdict of not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (insanity defense)

4. Criminal Commitment Not criminally responsible due to mental disorder
Landmark cases in Canada
M’Naghten rule, Regina v. Swain, Regina v. Chaulk, Regina v. Oosminer, Winko v. B.C
Insanity (legal term)
Fitness to stand trial
The Fitness Interview Test-Revised

5. Civil Commitment
Confining a mentally ill or dangerous person who has not broken the law
Formal or Informal (temporary)
Community Commitment: Community treatment orders (Brian’s Law)
Preventive detention and problems in risk assessment
Prediction of dangerousness
Actuarial prediction
Psychopathy Checklist – Revised
HCR – 20 (historical, clinical & risk variables)
Violence Risk Appraisal Guide

6. The Tarasoff Case Duty to warn and protect
Extending protection to foreseeable victims
Chilling effect of Tarasoff?

7. Civil Commitment Recent trends toward greater protection
Choosing among ethical principles
Respect for the dignity of persons
Responsible caring
Integrity in relationships
Responsibility to society
Right to treatment
Right to refuse treatment
Prior capable wish

8. Civil Commitment
Deinstitutionalization, civil liberties, and mental health, issues include:
Stigmatization of people with a history of mental illness
An absence of basic living skills
Poor housing
Poverty
Difficulties getting a job and accessing aftercare programs

9. Ethical Dilemmas in Therapy and Research
Ethical restraints on research
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Privileged communication
Who is the client or patient?

10. Ethical Dilemmas in Therapy and Research
Choice of goals
Choice of techniques
Right to competent treatment
Ethical and legal dimensions of recovered memories

11. Copyright
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