Our second special issue is dedicated to Forensic Psychiatry in recognition of the increased focus on the complex issues surrounding the appropriate care of offenders with mental health problems. We invited Professor Sheilagh Hodgins, Professor of Forensic Mental Health, at the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London, as our Guest Editor for this issue.

We believe this issue offers a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges faced by psychiatry at the point of its interface with the legal system and with political priorities and government policies.

We hope that all colleagues will find this issue helpful both in their personal practice but also in service development.