Mental Illness: A Legal Fiction

Authors

James H. Hardisty, University of Washington School of Law

Abstract

Professor Hardisty examines the use of the term "mental illness" by the law, focusing upon competency and insanity defense tests. After determining that the term has no accepted medical definition, the author analyzes the necessity for legal usage of the term. Professor Hardisty concludes that the term "mental illness" should be deleted from the law.

First Page

735

Recommended Citation

James H. Hardisty, Mental Illness: A Legal Fiction, 48 Wash. L. Rev. 735 (1973).
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/wlr/vol48/iss4/2