Principles of Mental Health Law provides a comprehensive account of the law concerning mental health in England and Wales. From the historical backdrop to the current law in the area it provides detailed examination of the Mental Health Act 1983 and the changes introduced by the new Mental Health Act 2007. The regulation of care and treatment in hospital and the community is explored. The book also goes beyond the legislation to explore the legal and regulatory challenges in the area of mental health in a range of areas from confidentiality and privacy to causation and limitation. The chapters are written by leading national and international authorities in the area of mental health.