NCJ Number
59855
Journal
Medicine, Science and the Law Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (APRIL 1979) Pages: 121-129
Date Published
1979
Length
9 pages
Annotation
AN OVERVIEW OF THE USE OF PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATIONS OF DEFENDANTS IN BRITISH COURTS IS PRESENTED.
Abstract
THE OVERVIEW COVERS THE EXTENT TO WHICH PSYCHIATRIC REPORTS ARE REQUESTED BY MAGISTRATES AND CROWN COURTS, THE ROLE OF PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATIONS IN THE TRIAL PROCESS, AND FACTORS INFLUENCING JUDGES' DECISIONS TO SEEK THE OPINION OF A PSYCHIATRIST. PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING PSYCHIATRIC EXAMINATIONS OF OFFENDERS ARE DELINEATED, AS ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE PSYCHIATRIC REPORT. IT IS POINTED OUT THAT THE REPORT SERVES AS A RECORD OF THE PATIENT'S CONDITION AND AS AN EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIVE TOOL FOR THE USE OF OTHER PROFESSIONALS, AS WELL AS A DECISIONMAKING AID FOR THE COURTS. DETAILED SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF PSYCHIATRIC REPORTS AND THE PRESENTATION OF EXPERT TESTIMONY ARE OFFERED. IT IS NOTED THAT COURTS AND PROBATION OFFICERS TEND EITHER TO HOLD EXAGGERATED EXPECTATIONS OF THE VALUE OF PSYCHIATRY IN MANAGING OFFENDERS, OR TO DISMISS THE POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF PSYCHIATRY OUT OF HAND. PSYCHIATRISTS ARE REMINDED THAT CONSISTENTLY BALANCED REPORTS WHICH GIVE AN IMPRESSION OF INDEPENDENCE, CREDIBILITY, AND AN AWARENESS OF THE COURT'S RESPONSIBILITIES WILL GO FAR TO ADVANCE THE FIELD OF FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHIATRISTS AND THOSE WHO ADMINISTER THE LAW. A LIST OF REFERENCES IS INCLUDED. (LKM)