"This practical book provides all professionals, particularly legal representatives, with an accessible and up-to-date guide to Mental Health Tribunals, including: a concise overview of the human rights and policy background, analysis of the legal definition of mental disorder and use of compulsory powers, a clear statement of the tribunal powers applicable to offender and non-offender patients, unrestricted patients and community patients, a chronological account of the procedure and operation of the tribunals, an outline of the typical procedural steps for a patient's representative, review of the public funding position. Uniquely, the authors explain where the law, rules and procedures differ between England and Wales and the rules for each tribunal are conveniently set out in comprehensive appendix materials. This book will be invaluable to those seeking accreditation of re-accreditation under the Law Society's Mental Health Accreditation Scheme"--P. [4] of cover.