PreTest Psychiatry: Law and Ethics in Psychiatry

Question 1

What was the Tarasoff decision?

Answer 1

A man told his therapist that he was going to kill a girl. He ultimately did. The court ruled that therapists have a duty to warn potential victims.

Question 2

What was the Tarasoff decision?

Answer 2

A man told his therapist that he was going to kill a girl. He ultimately did. The court ruled that therapists have a duty to warn potential victims.

Tarasoff II (a second ruling) said that psychiatrists also have a “duty to protect,” which is nebulously defined as doing everything to protect the potential victim.