On the edge of justice: the legal needs of people with a mental illness (2006) Cite this report

Further research

• This study collected information indicating the particular disadvantage faced by Indigenous people with a mental illness experiencing legal issues. However, as previous researchers have indicated (see Chapter 1 for discussion on this), targeted and carefully designed studies are needed to do justice to the complexity of the issues involved (e.g. issues such as intergenerational grief and cultural conceptions of mental illness).
• Further investigation could be made into how identification of mental illness in the legal system can be improved. We have highlighted this as a significant barrier facing people with a mental illness, in terms of both accessing legal assistance and participating effectively in the legal system. Several of those interviewed believed that this was a complex issue and not easily resolved. Further research could be done to develop strategies to overcome this barrier.
• Further investigation could also occur into how the needs and viewpoints of people with a mental illness can be incorporated into legal service delivery.
• Findings and suggestions raised in this study warrant investigation into the establishment of a specialist legal service for people with a mental illness that would provide legal advice and undertake community legal education, law reform and legal policy analysis for people with a mental illness.
• A number of strategies and innovations that could improve access to justice for people with a mental illness were discussed in the report. Further research and evaluation into the practical implications of these innovations would be required.