Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2013

Abstract

Professor Mort Cohen has taught at GGU Law for 30 years. In addition to teaching, Cohen has taken on pro bono cases as an advocate, most recently in service of the elderly and mentally ill. In 2012, Cohen successfully represented two individuals and the California Association of Mental Health Patients Rights Advocates in K.G. Et al v. Meredith as a Marin County Public Guardian. In an unprecedented, unanimous decision, a three-judge panel in The California Court of Appeal, First District stated that patients could not be treated with mind-altering drugs without their informed consent. It further stated that the County of Marin denied such people due process by failing to give them adequate notice, counsel, and a hearing before finding them disabled and rendering them incapable of exercising rights of decisional autonomy (their right to make their own medical decisions). In 2012, he was presented with two Attorney of the Year awards, one from California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and one from the California Association of Mental Health Patients Rights Advocates. Recently, Professor Cohen generously took some time to discuss his professional journey and passion.

Comments

Article published in the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Golden Gate Lawyer.

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