Mental Health Screening in Lawyer Licensing

Mental Health Screening in Lawyer Licensing examines the evolution of the legal profession's approach to mental health assessment during bar admission, revealing considerable progress, but lingering challenges. While states have traditionally included mental health questions as part of their "moral character" assessment for aspiring lawyers, this practice has faced criticism for stigmatizing mental health issues and deterring treatment-seeking behavior. Over the past twenty years, many states have moved away from broad inquiries into applicants' mental health history, instead adopting more focused questions about mental health and substance abuse. Even these reformed screening practices, however, remain controversial, with critics arguing they inadequately support applicants' wellbeing and lack evidence demonstrating their effectiveness at protecting the public or the profession.

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