Bridging the Gap between Law and Psychology

The law often lags scientific understanding, and this is particularly true on matters of mental health.

To address the gap between advances in psychology and legal rules, both civil and criminal, Boyd law students have formed the Organization of Psychology and Law, or OPAL. OPAL plans activities to educate members of the legal community and the public about current issues regarding mental health and the law and to support mental health organizations, professionals, and patients with relevant legal issues.

Immediate plans include a forum with experts on the intersection of psychology and law, service projects, and events to raise funds for mental health programs. Over the longer term, OPAL plans to host training sessions on understanding mental health, better enabling lawyers and judges to help members of the public who are affected by mental health issues.