A new series of straightforward guides setting forth the laws most relevant to mental health practice in each state. This series arose from the author's experience teaching psychiatric residents, psychology interns, and social work students at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center. Consistently, trainees mentioned how helpful it was to have laws relevant to their clinical practice explained in a way that removed the mystery and anxiety they associated with lawyers, courts, and judges. Each volume in the series sets forth, in a clear, straightforward, and user-friendly manner, pertinent legislation and court cases, covering why the law was written, what the law says, and how the law affects clinical practice. This volume covers the statutes and court cases of California.