Abstract
Legal epidemiology is an emerging field that examines how laws and policies influence human rights and health outcomes, particularly in areas such as in-patient psychiatric treatment, community treatment orders and child maltreatment, This editorial highlights contributions from BJPsych Open that apply legal epidemiological methods to assess issues relevant to child maltreatment and coercion in psychiatric care. Findings emphasise the need for early intervention, standardised evaluation measures and reforms that prioritise human rights and well-being. Legal epidemiology can offer a scientific basis for improving legal frameworks, as well as promoting equitable and effective mental healthcare.