At the heart of Europe, Lithuania led the Baltic States in their drive for independence from the Soviet Union. Now as a newly fledged democracy within the European Union it is building bridges (and major roads) to the rest of the world. It is therefore a fitting place to bring together scholars and other professionals to explore the new horizons that are opening out as different national, cultural and professional traditions learn from each other.

We invite you to join us in Vilnius for the XVth European Conference on Psychology and Law in Vilnius, from June 29 to July 2, 2005, held under the auspices of the European Association of Psychology and Law (EAPL).

The EAPL conferences have already established a tradition of vibrant debate between the many branches of psychology and with law. The expansion of the European Union and the closer ties that enables between Europe and the Americas and with the Middle East and beyond EAPL is becoming a focus for the exploration of how psychologists and lawyers can learn from each other. We are dedicating the conference in Vilnius to the examination of the cross-fertilisation between all those aspects of psychology that are concerned with the law and legal processes and what it is that criminal justice systems can learn from and give to the study of human actions and experiences.

Many new horizons are opening up at the many interfaces within this multi-disciplinary array. The conference is an opportunity to assess, encourage and develop the opportunities these new prospects reveal.

The conference will thus consider the interplay between psychology and the law in many different areas including:

1. Criminal Courts
2. Family Courts
3. Prisons
4. Forensic Clinics
5. Police investigations
6. Long-stay forensic hospitals
7. The context of Social 'care'
8. Legislation and government policy.

Contributions are welcome for researchers and practitioners, academics and professionals, scientists, lawyers and, consultants. You can share your insights and experiences, results of your studies, reviews of the issues that concern you, and in more informal gatherings, your delights in Lithuanian food and drink.

Welcome to Vilnius

The conference also offers an exciting opportunity to spend a few days in the capital of Lithuania. Located on the edge of the Neris River, surrounded by pine clad hills, Vilnius is a delightful, surprisingly modern and cosmopolitan city. Small enough to be manageable on foot, yet large enough to offer plenty to do. Its narrow, twisting cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, Gothic and Renaissance buildings stretch between many pavement cafes, that offer delicious Lithuanian delicacies to eat and imbibe. The Old Town of Vilnius was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

Looking forward to welcoming you to Vilnius,

Rita Zukauskiene, Chair of the Organizing Committee
David Canter, International Co-Ordinator