Forensic Mental Health

The Sociology Unit and the Health & Medical Sciences Division of the Athens Institute, are organizing a Microsymposium on “Forensic Mental Health” as part of the 19^th Annual International Conference on Sociology and the 13^th Annual International Conference on Health & Medical Sciences, 5-8 May 2025, Athens, Greece.

We invite submissions for a microsymposium that explores cross-cultural differences in how societies worldwide address mental health within their criminal justice systems. Jurisdictions vary widely in their management of crime, ranging from rehabilitative to punitive approaches, as well as the use of inquisitorial versus adversarial legal systems. These differences have significant implications for individuals diagnosed with mental illness and their treatment within judicial systems. This microsymposium seeks to examine how minoritized groups, including immigrants, are treated within these frameworks and address the ongoing debate over whether substance use should be approached as a crime or a health issue. Additionally, we aim to discuss diversion programs, such as drug courts, veterans courts,

and sex trafficking courts, which offer more health-focused alternatives in some countries. We encourage contributions that share innovative approaches and foster new thinking on the intersection of mental health and criminal justice.

Please submit an abstract (email only) to: atiner@atiner.gr, using the abstract submission form by 21 January 2025 to: Dr. Philip Candilis, Professor, George Washington University, USA and Dr. Susan Hatters-Friedman, Director, Forensic Psychiatry, UH Cleveland Medical Center, USA.

Abstracts should include the following: Title of Paper, Full Name (s), Affiliation, Current Position, an email address, and at least 3 keywords that best describe the subject of your submission. Decisions are reached within 4 weeks.

Fee structure information is available on www.atiner.gr/fees.

Special arrangements will be made with a local hotel for a limited number of rooms at a special conference rate (please book in advance, at least 2 months before). In addition, a number of special events will be organized which give a great opportunity to further discuss the issues presented at the microsymposium. From the Athens Institute’s long experience these events bring together scholars from different countries and disciplines which may result to research collaborations and joint publications. These events include a pragmatic symposium (as organized in Ancient Athens but fine-tuned to synchronous ethics), a special one-day educational island tour, a Mycenae and island of Poros visit, an Athens educational walking tour, a day trip to Delphi, and an ancient Corinth and Cape Sounion visit. Details of the social program are available here.