The Stalking of Tatiana Tarasoff

Sydney and Tony discuss the landmark case of Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California. The California Supreme Court ruled that mental health professionals have a duty to protect potential victims when their patients pose a serious threat of violence. The case arose from the tragic murder of Tatiana Tarasoff, a former university counseling center patient killed. Despite warnings from one of the center's therapists that the patient posed a serious threat to Tarasoff, the center did not take action to warn or protect her. The court's decision established a legal precedent that has had far-reaching implications for the practice of mental health and the protection of public safety.