title: Psychiatry and law: past, present and future.
abstract: It is important that every citizen knows the law of the state. Psychiatry and law both deal with human behaviour. This paper attempts to highlight the interplay between these two by discussing about various legislations like The Family Courts Act 1984, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, Juvenile Justice Act 1986, Consumer Protection Act 1986, Persons with Disability Act 1995, The Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act 2007.
authors.affiliation: BPS President 1998-1999. Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, T. N. Medical College and B. Y. L. Nair Ch. Hospital, Mumbai Central, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Ravindra M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Kamath
keywords: Aruna Shanbaug case; Attempt to Suicide: Section 309 Indian Penal Code; Bolam principle; Consumer Protection Act 1986; Family Courts Act 1984; Juvenile Justice Act 1986; Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act 2007; Mens Rea; Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985; Persons with Disabilities Act 1995