Handbook

This course examines the links between psychiatric and psychological disorders and the various civil law jurisdictions. Course content will provide perspectives on legal theories underpinning relevant legislation and law, as well as insight into the clinical application of these in courtroom and tribunal settings. It integrates legal and psychiatric constructs, appraises contradictions between medical and legal understandings of mental illness, and discusses ethical issues surrounding medical and legal approaches to people with mental disorders involved in the civil law jurisdictions.

Topics covered during the course include: introduction to forensic civil psychiatry; principles of torts; medical negligence; the Coroners Court; mental harm; malingering; occupational psychiatry; assessing capacity; and assessing testamentary capacity.