title: The past, present and future of mental health law: a therapeutic jurisprudence analysis.
abstract: This article uses a therapeutic jurisprudence perspective to review the evolution of mental health law in the Western world by examining developments at various stages in history, in particular the 20th century. It suggests that one of the major challenges for the future, from a therapeutic jurisprudence perspective, will be to help minimise the stigma, prejudice and discrimination associated with mental health law. The article concludes with the suggestion that the question of whether mental health law itself, because it contributes to discrimination against mentally disordered people, may be anti-therapeutic requires more investigation and consideration.
authors.forename: Alfred
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Allan
mesh_terms: D003068:Coercion; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D003688:Deinstitutionalization / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007603:Jurisprudence; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013240:Stereotyping; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence