Book excerpt: This publication is a practical guide to the law on mental health issues that arise within the criminal justice framework in New South Wales. It offers comprehensive coverage and clear explanations of all of the important topics in this field and is an ideal resource for lawyers, mental health professionals, correctional health personnel, and anyone else engaged in the fields of criminal law and forensic mental health, or students with an interest in pursuing studies or a career in these areas. All chapters have been fully revised, updated and, in many cases, significantly expanded. The operation of the Mental Health Act 2007 and the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990 is dealt with in detail. New to this edition are the chapters on the management of forensic and correctional patients, infanticide, and a comprehensive chapter on the assessment and management of risk, including a section on the Crimes (Serious Sex Offenders) Act 2006.