Commentary: the dynamic evolution of forensic psychiatry at Yale and the Zonanian sphere of influence

Abstract

Forensic psychiatry at Yale begins, develops, and endures through the life and work of Howard Zonana. But the developments at Yale are only a part of a more complex and global story of one man's extraordinary influence on the evolution of practice and thought in forensic psychiatry in legislation and case law, teaching and scholarship, professional organizational activity, and public policy. This article places Dr. Zonana's career and achievements in the historical context of the field of forensic psychiatry and traces several examples of his activism, scholarship, mentoring, and collegiality. It is a great pleasure to acknowledge our vast collective appreciation of Howard's influence in the lives of those who have had the privilege to know him and work with him and benefit from his many contributions to our field.