Differing 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.

Those working in this field provide important psychological testing. In addition, these individuals work to help solve crimes by either interviewing witnesses or visiting a crime scene. Some good programming to watch on cable and network television is that of Dexter on HBO, or Criminal Minds on broadcast television. Each of these programs provide different tasks completed by individuals working in this area.

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 giving the detailed opinion a specific topic, or the suspect, this work is important to all seeking a fair trial. Once having reviewed the report, the judge and jury are the final say as to whether or not a trial is scheduled. In most cases, unless an individual is proven to have a severe mental illness, a trial will be scheduled.

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.

If an individual is later found competent to stand trial, a sentence can often be reduced by the number of days, months or years spent at the institution. In cases of major crimes, some individuals may be referred to prison based care rather than a traditional mental health facility. If found guilty by reason of insanity, those committing serious crimes such as serial killings will most often still receive a life sentence.




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