A thorough, nongovernmental review of the workings of New Zealand’s Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act, which was ratified more than 20 years ago, this book provides expert scrutiny of important legislation governing one of the most vulnerable sectors of society. It offers a rounded portrait of the implementation of the country’s compulsory assessment and treatment regime, set within its wider legal context—a portrait drawn by clinicians and consumers, lawyers and officials, nurses and social scientists, Maori and non-Maori, alike.

The book examines how the act is used and whether it needs to change, addressing questions including, How are the legal standards governing compulsory treatment applied? Do the review procedures sufficiently protect those under the act? and Should mental health patients with capacity have the right to refuse treatment?, among many others.