Opening Minds not Locking Doors: Rethinking Mental Health Laws

50 Anniversary Lecture

In December 2007, Professor Bernadette McSherry commenced a prestigious five-year Australian Research Council Federation Fellowship. Her research program explores the role the law has — and should have — in improving access to optimal mental health care and in promoting and maintaining good mental health services.

This lecture focuses on the challenges of educating lawyers and non-lawyers including mental health professionals, consumers and carers about laws that regulate the involuntary detention and treatment of those with serious mental illnesses. Through the use of a specific case study, a range of different viewpoints relating to how the law should balance individual human rights with the concept of treatment in the ‘best interests’ of the individual will be explored.

Download Lecture Material [PDF 258Kb]