P/L/55. Dissertation. Treatment of psychiatric patients: legal and social issues

The dissertation looks at the legal, social and moral issues surrounding the treatment of psychiatric patients. The human rights of mental patients are analysed in relation to the interests of society. The issues of the compulsory treatment of psychiatric patients are addressed focusing on the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) and Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA). The standards by which individuals are assessed for compulsory treatment are defined. Government proposals for reforming MHA provisions and public responses to them are outlined. The paper concludes that current legislation on the matter in question is largely inadequate and needs in depth study of the problem.