vendredi 22 avril 2016

Different Aspects Of Forensic Psychiatry

By Robert McDonald


Psychiatry and psychology have always been popular majors. When it comes to forensic psychiatry, interest is more limited. As a sub-specialty, it is a subsection of psychiatry involved with criminology. Psychiatry looks at the evolution and condition of the mind. Whereas, this aspect combines the legal and medical ramifications of a crime. By combining these two fields, these psychiatrists can often determine a number of facts related to a crime or crime scene.

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.

Whereas, traditional psychiatrists and psychologists work with individuals on a number of mental issues. In some cases, these individuals only need therapy. In others, prescription medication which can only be prescribed by a medical professional or psychiatrist is required.

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.

As stated, this is only an opinion as to whether not the the individual understood an action or actions at the time the crime was committed. Different states have different laws governing the use of expert witnesses. In most cases, if a person is found incompetent to stand trial, jail sentences will either be shortened or eliminated.

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:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire