Mental Health Tribunal Handbook 2ed Book Launch - LAG

The second edition of the Mental Health Tribunal Handbook, authored by Sarah Johnston, Sophy Miles, Elizabeth Cleaver, Dr Joan Rutherford and Dr Camilla Parker, will be published in December 2026.

The Mental Health Tribunal Handbook (2nd ed.) is a comprehensive guide to:

• Relevant provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) as amended by the Mental Health Act 2025

• The MHA's Code of Practice and its interaction with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, with particular reference to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

• Tribunal Procedure Rules 2008

• Domestic and European case-law

There is also guidance on psychiatric concepts, expert witnesses and reports and advice on preparation, effective communication and skilled advocacy throughout the tribunal process.

The Mental Health Tribunal Handbook (2nd ed.) provides an accessible reference point for the experienced practitioner, whilst also aiding those who are new to this demanding, fascinating and rewarding area of practice.

Pre-order your print copies here.

Join a selection of the authors, Sarah Johnston, Sophy Miles and Elizabeth Cleaver, for the online launch of the new edition, prior to its release, to get an advance on what is covered within the Handbook. Hear directly from our expert authors on the key pressing issues and developments within the up-to-date edition.

The authors have many years’ experience both representing clients and sitting on the tribunal panel. They are uniquely placed to guide practitioners through the procedural steps of taking a case from initial instructions through to hearings and, where necessary, to appeals to the Upper Tribunal.

The online launch will be an opportunity to hear from a selection of the authors on the contents of the Mental Health Tribunal Handbook and to ask questions to our expert panel.

Attendees will also receive a discount on the upcoming book and will receive a recording of the online launch.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Mental Health Act 1983 is an Act with exceptional reach. It is a mechanism by which the State can take control of those with mental disorders which place them, or others, at risk. Its use can save lives, but detention under the Act is also one of the most intrusive interventions in a person’s life.

Practitioners representing clients in the mental health tribunal need a thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing the care, treatment and detention of patients. But they also need to understand mental disorder, how to deal with psychiatric reports and, crucially, the importance of building a relationship of trust with the client in order to provide the best legal representation.

Tickets:

• Early Bird Rate (Available until 10 October) - £25.00 + VAT + £1.80 fee
  
  
• Standard Ticket - £38.00 + VAT + £2.54 fee
  
  
• Concession ticket - Students, pupils, trainees and NGOs are eligible for this ticket. - £20.00 + VAT + £1.51 fee
  
  
• Law Centres & Legal Advice Charities ticket - £30.00 + VAT + £2.09 fee
  
  
• Group Ticket (Minimum 4) ticket - £30.00 + VAT + £2.09 fee