Mental health and law intersect in a multitude of ways. The two disciplines ought to constantly inform and transform one another. For example, changes in the understanding of the etiology, clinical manifestation, treatment modalities, and rehabilitation of mental disorders necessitate changes in the way law views issues related to mental health.
Thus, the concept of mental health and law has been significantly broadened in the past few decades as compared to the conventional narrow understanding of forensic psychiatry. Traditionally, the primary concern was related to the criminal aspects of mental health, including the insanity, and could be extended at most to fitness to stand trial and testamentary capacity.
Much of that has changed in recent times, and the intersection of these two disciplines has brought into focus the numerous ways law, psychiatry, psychology, and medicine interface. Thus, the field of mental health and law has become much more multidisciplinary.
People with mental disorders are vulnerable to abuse and violation of their basic rights. Such abuse or violation may occur from diverse elements in society including institutions, family members, caregivers, professionals, friends, unrelated members of the community, and law enforcing agencies. This sets an imperative for a protective mechanism to ensure appropriate, adequate, timely, and humane health care services. Such protective mechanisms include legislative provisions and policies to ensure that the rights of this vulnerable group are protected in the undeniable context that every society needs laws in various areas to maintain the well-being of its people, mental health care is one such important area that requires appropriate legislation.
Nationally and internationally, experts in the field of psychiatry are invited to encourage share in our conference to exchanges of knowledge, experience and best practice.
We hope that this meeting will be of great benefit to all participants. We also hope and trust that you will enjoy our scientific contents and social activities.
We are looking forward to welcome you in this magnificent conference.