Solving Crime With 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.

Those working in this area generally provide psychological testing for suspects. When asked to assist in solving crime, these individuals have been known to visit crime scenes or discuss suspect behaviors with family members. All of which can help determine whether or not an individual is competent to stand trial.

While some of these individuals work primarily as police psychiatrists, others work in the courts. When an individual working in the court finds a suspect incompetent to stand trial, the individual is often placed in treatment. After which, a secondary evaluation will follow. If found competent, then most likely a trial will be set for a later time.

Providing views related to guilt or innocence based on mental capacity is another aspect of an expert witness. These individuals are often called as an expert witness when a judge or jury can not understand the facts of a case. At which time, the psychiatrist is asked to provide a detailed opinion in the case. In most cases, these individuals have already submitted a report relating this information to the court.

These individuals are often called as expert witnesses in both criminal and civil trials. Whether giving an opinion on a specific issue or the well-being of a suspect, the work is important to those seeking a fair trial. Most often, these individuals will have already prepared and submitted a detailed report to the judge before testifying. After which, judge and jury must decide whether a suspect is guilty, not guilty or guilty by reason of insanity.

When a judge or jury can not understand the facts of a case, then the expert witness is often called to testify. In testifying, these individuals are asked to form an opinion based solely on facts known to date. During testimony, the individual must also state the methods, concepts and approaches used to determine an 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.

Court rulings based on the opinion of expert witnesses, and facts in a case are often accurate. Three standards are often used to make this determination. First, whether or not the individual has a mental illness. Second, whether or not the person understood any actions committed during a crime. Lastly, whether the crime was committed solely due to a severe mental disorder.




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