This course will deal with both the reports that are prepared by forensic experts for use by lawyers (both pre-trial and at trial), and with the ethical issues that are posed when such experts interact with the legal system. The focus will be on the full range of issues involving forensic experts and the mental disability law system: the rights of persons subject to institutionalization and who have been institutionalized, and the role of mental disability in the criminal trial process, in the civil trial process, in the criminal trial process, and in the family law process. Therapeutic jurisprudence implications will be also be explored, as will a consideration of the varying ethical codes that apply to the different mental health professions.   This is a predominately on-line course, requiring students to participate in a weekly chat room, discussion boards, and two, day-long weekend live seminars at New York Law School.  The grade is based on chat room, discussion board and live seminar participation, a midterm paper, and a take-home final.