Back to the Asylum

"The authors, both national experts, one in law and the other in public health, offer a stimulating analysis of the history, societal value changes, and law reforms that affect how we view and care for the mentally ill. Very useful section with notes; comprehensive bibliography. . . . clear and insightful style . . . " --Choice "A worthwhile book. . . . extensively annotated and, including notes, bibliography, and an effective index, there are almost a hundred pages for the serious reader to research. This is one of the more interesting books on the subject and is valuable both for its provocative style and for the wealth of data on related issues during the past 30 years. I recommend it." --New England Journal of Medicine "Describe[s] and analyze[s] the shifts in the law concerning commitment, the insanity defense, and criminal responsibility in an interesting and, indeed, provocative manner." --American Journal of Psychiatry "A thoughtful interpretation of our national confusion regarding the severely mentally ill, the criminally insane, the insanity defense, and involuntary commitment. . . . weaves both social science and legal perspectives throughout and should appeal to a broad audience as a result." --Michael S. Pollak, Contemporary Psychology "Provides a thorough analysis of the broad social attitudes and political trends, as well as a comprehensive review and synthesis of the emperical literature of the past half century....Its coverage of broader trends in mental disability law and policy provides an important historical context for understanding current and future policy decisions....A very informative and extremely well-written book....Extremely readable....Exceptionally valuable resource."--Journal of Mental Health and Aging