This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Elyn Saks, Orrin B. Evans Distinguished Professor of Law, and Professor of Law, Psychology and Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at USC. During this wide-ranging conversation Elyn Saks candidly shares her personal experiences with schizophrenia and discusses the intersection of law, mental health and ethics: the legal and ethical implications surrounding mental health. Further topics include psychotropic medication and the law, criminalization and mental illness, and an exploration of which countries are more progressive with respect to important mental health policies, laws and procedures.

This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, To Shorten the Odds, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

1. A Candid Admission - Writing The Center Cannot Hold


2. Deepening Understanding - Beyond stereotypes and misconceptions


3. Laws and Policies - Comparing the US with the UK


4. Empathy - The missing link


5. Concrete Steps - What can be done?


6. Summing Up - Elyn marches on

About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series (100 books):

Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research. Howard Burton holds a PhD in physics and an MA in philosophy, and was the Founding Director of Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.