All psychologists must uphold the same ethical standards about confidentiality even though each state imposes different legal limits on their ability to protect clients' confidences. The resulting ethical-legal confusion is exacerbated by legally based confidentiality training that treats legal exceptions as if they were the rule and fosters the…

Comments on the article by G. M. Herek, "Legal recognition of same-sex relationships in the United States." There are many arguable contentions Herek made in his defense of same-sex marriage. We have chosen to focus on only one in this commentary: What is the active ingredient in marriage that serves the socially advantageous goal of civilizing…

Introduces a series of articles concerning children's rights, as newly defined by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in effect since September 2, 1990. The authors here focus on the rights of children from psychological and legal perspectives in an international context. (DM)

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child grants a full range of human rights to children and promotes a nonpaternalistic attitude toward them. Social scientists will be able to contribute to its implementation by interpreting issues of psychological and physical development. (DM)

An examination of the historical record fails to uncover any support for the claim that the racially biased Immigration Act of 1924 was passed with the help of the intelligence testing community. (GC)

Asserts that legal restraints, such as those existing for other major professions, are needed in psychology. Outlines areas in psychological practice that might call for direct or indirect legal regulation. (GC)

Social scientists need to become more concerned with the study of dangerous behaviors and practices in our society, especially in light of the disproportionate injury and harm suffered by socially disadvantaged groups. (Author)

The overriding concern in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is dignity. The implications for mental health policy are discussed. The U.S. may not ratify the convention, but it should serve as a guide for state lawmakers and mental health professionals involved in children's issues. (DM)

Summarizes the contents of the 54 articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The articles define the freedoms and rights of children and prescribe standards for their protection and nurturing. (DM)

Discusses the evolution of children's rights in Western nations. Children have progressed from property to partial person status. The movement toward greater self-determination for children will require the expertise of psychologists in assessing individual levels of development. (DM)

Until the 1960s, people who were Deaf and mentally ill lacked access to psychological treatment. Few mental hospitals and clinics had interpreters available, and few psychologists and mental health professionals had knowledge of sign language. Major court decisions and federal laws have effected change, culminating with the Americans With…