This article reviews the legal and ethical issues that arise;in the treatme
nt of patients who may pose a threat to harm themselves or others. The rece
nt practice of developing empirically validated treatments has not yet been
applied to the diagnosis and treatment of patients who present an imminent
danger of harm to themselves or others. instead. psychologists must follow
standards that come primarily from court cases or statutes. Although these
standards have some degree of commonality across North America. psychologi
sts are encouraged to be informed about local laws and court cases. (C) 200
0 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.