Panel Discussion on Involuntary Psychiatric Medication of Inmates
The Ostapenko Center for Ethics in Medicine and Healthcare and the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice will be co-sponsoring a virtual event entitled, “Involuntary Psychiatric Medication of Inmates: A Panel Discussion” on Tuesday, March 16th from 6:00-7:00pm. Mental health treatment of incarcerated individuals is a crucial yet complex challenge facing our correctional system. It raises a myriad of ethical and legal issues, a primary one being the appropriateness of involuntary medication of prison and jail inmates. Under what circumstances is this legally and ethically acceptable? Situations involving the physical safety of inmates and staff, competency to stand trial, and competency to face execution are among those that are potentially addressed through forced medication.
To discuss these and other questions, a panel consisting of legal, ethical, and correctional experts has been assembled to discuss the complexity of these issues. Each participant will offer some prepared remarks, followed by an interactive question and answer period. The panelists include Mr. Kevin Hinkley, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Niagara University; Dr. Talia Harmon, Professor of Criminal Justice at Niagara University; Dr. James Delaney, Professor of Philosophy at Niagara University; Captain Darren Engert, Administrative Captain, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division; and Dr. Natasha Cervantes, Fellowship Director, Department of Psychiatry, Erie County Medical Center
The Zoom link for the event is: https://niagara-edu.zoom.us/j/89900152864
Please contact James Delaney or Craig Rivera with any questions about the event.