Lecture, three hours. Examination of definitions and some characteristics of those conditions that legal systems recognize as mental disabilities. Review of evolution of these definitions through U.S. and Western histories, with focus on role conceptions of mental illness has played in various racial, gendered, and economic regimes. Exploration of primary approaches U.S. legal system takes to address needs, vulnerabilities, and rights of people with disabilities and of people with mental disabilities. Discussion of some key challenges and controversies affecting policy and practice in this area and varying strategies for engaging those challenges. P/NP or letter grading.