Bibliograph

The hidden prejudice, mental disability on trial, Michael L. Perlin

Type

Label

The hidden prejudice, mental disability on trial, Michael L. Perlin

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The hidden prejudice

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

41674392

Responsibility statement

Michael L. Perlin

Series statement

The law and public policy

Sub title

mental disability on trial

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)

Table Of 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

Classification