University debates Mental Health Bill

The Government’s new Mental Health Bill and its effect on those considered dangerous will be explored at a public seminar at the University of Teesside on Wednesday 4 December at 5pm.

Dave Powell, lecturer at the University’s Law Section will deliver the first of the 2002 Centre for Applied Socio-Legal Studies (CASLS) & Law Group seminar series entitled Psychopaths, Preventive Detention and the Mental Health Bill. The seminar will examine the problem of lack of provision for those considered dangerous to society because of an untreatable personality disorder. It will be of particular interest to academics, final year undergraduates, post-graduates, lawyers, law enforcement officers and professionals working within criminal justice agencies.

Dave said: “I will be tackling the problem using the Mental Health Act, the Human Rights Act and the individual cases thrown up by them. I’ll also look at the Government's various proposals and the problems they present from both a legal and practical point of view. This will lead, I hope, to a discussion of the issues and solutions.” The seminar will take place at the CASLS Seminar Room, University of Teesside’s School of Social Science & Law, First Floor, Clarendon Building, off Southfield Road, Middlesbrough. Places are limited, so to attend, call 01642 342333 or email: casls@tees.ac.uk This academic seminar will debate this academic issue within the Government’s Mental Health Bill and is not a forum for campaign groups.

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