Review by Choice Review
In this valuable compilation of many years of study, Perlin, a well-known authority, examines many of the major issues in mental disability law. He analyzes involuntary civil commitment, the controversies about treatment, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the insanity defense within the framework of "sanism," or biases against people with mental disabilities, and "pretextuality," or the willingness to accept testimonial distortions in order to achieve preconceived desired ends. Perhaps the primary limitation of this orientation, and of the remedies implied by the concept of "therapeutic jurisprudence," is the difficulty of forming coalitions with other groups that have often been subjected to discrimination. Recommended for professionals, graduate students, and researchers in the social and health sciences. H. Hahn; University of Southern California
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
