This survey course explores foundational mental health law and legal practice concepts through three intersecting systems: the mental health system; the criminal system; and the immigration enforcement system. We focus on the vindication (or not) of legal rights at points within these systems where people with mental health conditions may be deprived of freedom and choice, including involuntary commitment, incarceration, and immigration detention. We review established and emergent accommodations to protect those rights. We explore ethical questions that arise in this context, including informed consent, the allocation of authority between the lawyer and the client, the definition of competence, and the role of an advocate. We review basic client-centered practice skills, with emphasis on how to work in a collaborative and recovery-oriented way with people with mental health conditions.an advocate. We review holistic and client-centered practice skills, with emphasis on how to work in a collaborative and recovery-oriented way with people with mental health conditions.
