| Edition |
First edition. |
| Description |
1 online resource (xxv, 329 pages). |
| Series |
The law and public policy |
|
Law and public policy.
|
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Contents |
1. Sanism and pretextuality. Setting the stage : why mental disability is on trial -- On sanism -- On pretextuality. 2. The sanist and pretextual roots of mental disability law. Involuntary civil commitment law -- The right to treatment -- The right to refuse treatment -- The right to sexual interaction -- The Americans with Disabilities Act -- The competence to plead guilty and the competence to waive counsel -- The insanity defense -- The federal sentencing guidelines. 3. Therapeutic jurisprudence : exposing sanism and pretextuality. Exposing the prejudice -- Unpacking mental disability law. |
| Summary |
In this book, the author reveals a pattern of prejudice against mentally disabled individuals that keeps them from receiving equal treatment under the law. Sanism, like racism, is a prejudice against a minority population. This mostly hidden prejudice against mentally ill people has pervaded Western culture throughout history, and the author documents how sanism continues to affect our culture and legal system. Under the pretext of "improving" society, a judge, lawyer, or fact-finder may ignore faulty evidence. This testimonial dishonesty is often based on the false belief that the mentally disabled are not responsible or intelligent enough to deserve the full rights of citizenship. The author argues that these are sanist decisions and explores the roots and results of these decisions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2004 APA, all rights reserved). |
| Note |
Description based on print version record. |
| Form |
Also issued in print. |
| Issued By |
Made available through: American Psychological Association's PsyBooks Collection. |
| Note |
GMD: electronic resource. |
| Subject |
Insanity (Law) -- United States.
|
|
Mental health laws -- United States.
|
|
Insanity Defense -- United States.
|
| Added Author |
American Psychological Association.
|
| Other Form: |
Perlin, Michael L., 1946- Hidden prejudice (print) (DLC) 99037969 |
|
