Suicide on Campus: the Appropriate Legal Responsibility of College Personnel (Washington & Lee Public Legal Studies Research Paper Series No. 2007-19)

In response to the continuing debate over the degree of responsibility, if any, that college personnel who are aware of a student’s suicide threats or attempts should be held liable for their failure to take reasonable prevention steps, centering most particularly on a duty to notify parents, this paper proposes a rule of law. The proposal is based on the tort doctrine of “special relationship”. Supporting data include an examination of developmental psychology & brain development during late adolescence. Counter-arguments are analyzed & refutation is proffered. (294 notes)