Law And Mental Illness -- See Insanity (Law) Here are entered works on the legal status of persons of unsound mind. Works on the law affecting the welfare of the insane are entered under the heading Mental health laws. Works on psychiatry as applied in courts of law are entered under the heading Forensic psychiatryHere are entered works on the legal standard whereby persons with severe mental disorders are prevented from having legal capacity and are excused from criminal or civil responsibility.