Psychology and Civil Law - Spring 2004 PSGA 7020 / HEGL 369

The role of psychologists and other mental health professionals in civil litigation is both diverse and important. This course covers a number of the areas in which psychologists consult on matters related to civil practice law forensic matters outside of the criminal arena. This course brings psychology graduate students and law students together in a broad overview of issues related to mental health law and civil practice. The semester will be divided relatively evenly between reviewing the case law and legal standards and issues related to clinical practice and the clinical issues that bear upon these legal issues. Specific legal issues discussed include the concept of torts and malpractice, causation, and standards of proof. We will focus on several of the areas of civil law in which psychologists play a significant role, including personal injury, sexual harassment, and disability law, as well as a number of issues that arise in elderly or medically ill individuals such as informed consent and decision-making competence, physicianassisted suicide, testamentary capacity, and psychological autopsies. Issues such as psychological testing, report preparation, and expert testimony are discussed in the context of these issues and the legal standards that apply.