Learning Objectives

Chapter 17

  • Identify the critical milestones in the evolution of the concept "not guilty by reason of insanity."
  • List the four criteria mental health professionals use to determine an individual’s competency to stand trial.
  • Describe how confidentiality and informed consent work together to provide legal and ethical protections for individuals seeking psychological treatment.
  • Assess when an individual should be committed to a mental health facility. Examine the rights and responsibilities of both the client and the mental health professionals in that situation.
  • Discuss the purpose of SVP laws.
  • Examine the practices some communities have put in place to try to prevent pedophilia and other sexual offences.