The first single?volume resource of its kind, Competence in the Law:

• Examines the landmark cases that have set precedents in this area
• Presents in?depth discussion of criminal competencies, such as competency to stand trial, plead guilty, or waive counsel
• Explores questions of competency in civil law matters, such as custody and estates
• Considers the relationship between competency and the institutionalization of persons with mental disabilities
• Identifies commonalities between court decisions in discrete areas of the law

Prepares mental health professionals to thoroughly assess questions of civil and criminal competence

Written by experts in the fields of mental disability law and forensic psychology, Competence in the Law prepares mental health professionals to understand the law, consider questions of civil and criminal competence, and knowledgeably counsel lawyers and judges in cases in which mental competency issues are germane.

The first single?volume resource of its kind, Competence in the Law:

• Examines the landmark cases that have set precedents in this area

• Presents in?depth discussion of criminal competencies, such as competency to stand trial, plead guilty, or waive counsel

• Explores questions of competency in civil law matters, such as custody and estates

• Considers the relationship between competency and the institutionalization of persons with mental disabilities

• Identifies commonalities between court decisions in discrete areas of the law

A landmark contribution to forensic practice, Competence in the Law presents the most relevant and accurate information and equips mental health professionals to expertly address critical issues faced in conducting assessments within the legal system.

Michael L. Perlin is a Professor of Law at New York Law School (NYLS), Director of NYLS?s Online Mental Disability Law Program, and Director of NYLS?s International Mental Disability Law Reform Project in its Justice Action Center.

Pamela Champine is a Professor of Law at New York Law School, specializing in wills and trusts and related personal affairs.

HENRY A. DLUGACZ is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at New York Medical College. He is an attorney, psychiatric social worker, and consultant specializing in mental disability issues.

Mary Connell is a forensic and clinical psychologist in independent practice in Fort Worth, Texas. She works in a range of forensic practice areas and specializes in child sexual abuse in family, tort, and criminal litigation.