Different Aspects Of Forensic Psychiatry

By Robert McDonald


There are many different aspects to psychiatry and psychology. One of which is the field of forensic psychiatry. A type of psychiatry that is focused on medical and legal aspects of a crime. Mainstream psychiatry is primarily focused on severe mental illness with no attachment to crime. Whereas, this type psychiatry is used to determine a number of facts related to a crime scene or crime.

Psychiatrists working in this field provide psychological testing for suspects. These individuals also work to help solve crimes whether by visiting a crime scene or interviewing family members and witnesses. A few good shows to watch to learn more about this work are Criminal Minds, network television, or Dexter on Home Box Office (HBO, ) cable television.

Those working primarily in a psychiatric capacity help determine whether or not an individual is fit to stand trial. If not, then these professionals can prescribe medications to see if an individual can be healed. It may also be necessary to provide ongoing counseling and therapy. Once complete, suspects are then provided a secondary psychiatric evaluation.

Providing insight on whether a suspect could have committed a crime is another aspect of this work. After which, the expert witness may be asked to assist in sentencing. Whether the sentence be jail, prison or time at a mental institution, the decision is ultimately left to judge and jury. If the suspect is found competent, then most likely a trial will follow.

Whether civil or criminal, these individuals can be called as an expert witness. Sometimes it is to give an opinion on a specific issue. At other times, it can be to declare the mental well being of a suspect. Whatever the case, an expert witness will have already prepared and submitted a lengthy report detailing the medical condition of the suspect. After which, the judge must consider this opinion to determine whether not an individual is competent to stand trial.

When a judge or jury lacks understanding in a case, then an expert witness can testify. When testifying, the psychiatrist must provide all information related to the opinion found during psychological testing and interviews. The professional must also provide information on the concepts, methods and approaches used to reach the opinion.

While this is only an opinion, it can often have an effect on the jury. While this is the case, different states have different laws ruling on whether this information can be used in determining a verdict. In most cases, when someone is found incompetent to stand trial, the person will be referred to a mental health institution rather than a prison. If the person can be healed, then a trial is often set for a later date.

A great deal of this type psychiatry is based on court rulings which prove significant to a specific crime or court case. Three standards are often used on all cases, all of which are related to mental illness. Whether having not realized a crime was committed, committing the crime due to a mental disorder or due to a lack of understanding of the law governing such crime.




About the Author: