A Mental health Review Tribunal (MHRT) is normally the only form of independent body to examine the justification for continuing a patient's detention. The legal representative at a MHRT must be armed not only with an understanding of the procedure but also of the definitions used in psychiatry - exactly what they should find in this guide. Mental Health Act Code of Practice and developments in powers of tribunals; pre-hearing procedures; hearing procedures; finance; medical issues; the patient's circumstances after discharge and transfer from special to local NHS hospitals. useful summary charts on steps in Representation and Admission to hospital.

This book provides an authoritative combination of legal and administrative practice and procedure and the operation of mental health tribunals (MHRTs). It includes: . Case summaries of all important reported and unreported decisions. Explanatory chapter on medical terms and the interpretation of special investigations. Diagnostic guidelines for the major forms of mental disorder. Detailed guidance on preparation of cases. Important amendments made by the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997

This is a highly practical reference work for all those appearing before the tribunal and for tribunal members themselves. Detailed explanatory commentary about the organization, procedure, and jurisdiction of the tribunal is followed by an analysis of tribunal powers in relation to both non-offender and offender patients.