Main description:

Takes a very applied and accessible approach to assessments of mental capacity.

Case examples illustrate decision-making capacity in a number of settings and contexts, including financial decisions, medical decisions, criminal/civil court, and other areas.

Legal commentary helps illustrate state laws and ethical principles.

Includes practice-oriented information and guidelines illustrating how psychologists, Mental Health professionals and lawyers work together.

Gives attention to issues related to equity, stereotypes/bias, race, disability, socioeconomic status, and age.

Contents:

Part I: Introduction. 1. Introduction to decision-making capacity. 2. The role of the psychologist in the assessment of capacity. 3. Guiding principles and common pitfalls of capacity assessment. Part II: Case presentations and commentaries. 4. Capacity to consent to medical treatment. 5. Capacity to make decisions regarding welfare (discharge or where to live). 6. Capacity to enter into sexual and marital relations. 7. Capacity to make financial decisions. 8. Capacity to make and revoke a will. 9. Capacity to enter into legal proceedings, litigate, and contract. 10. Competence to stand trial. 11. Integrating culture and diversity in capacity evaluations. Part III. 12. Summary of key learning points.