Tatiana Tarasoff

This University of California student was stalked and killed by fellow student Prosenjit Poddar after he had discussed his intention to kill her with a University Health Service psychologist. Her family sued and the resulting court opinions formed the basis for general acceptance of the notion that treating professionals have a duty to protect known intended victims. (Tarasoff v. Regents, 17 Cal. 3d 425, 551 P.2d 334, 131 Cal. Rptr. 14 (1976))