Applications Of The Field Of Forensic Psychiatry

By Gary Ward


Psychiatry is among medical fields that has several branches under it. Under it is the field of forensic psychiatry, which has a close relationship with criminology. The short form F will be used for the purpose of this writing. FP is a field that creates an interface between law and psychiatry. Forensic psychiatrists are the medical professionals who specialize in this field. They take on a lot of duties in the court system and activities related to law enforcement.

Forensic psychiatrists work with the court system in determination of the competency of individuals to stand trials. The evaluations they provide on individuals serve as recommendations for sentencing. These individuals also act as expert witnesses for defendants in lawsuits. FP encompasses two areas of criminal evaluations, these are, MSO and CST. CST stands for Competency to Stand Trial while MSO stands for Mental State at the Time of the Offence.

Competency to Stand Trial is the evaluation done to ascertain the mental capacity of the defendant in a case to understand whatever charges made against them. It also determines if the named defendant is sane enough to assist their attorney in defense preparation. In the US constitution, CST falls under the Fifth Amendment. Under this provision, the defendant must be allowed the chance to face their accuser, be present during their trial, and be in a position to collaborate and assist the attorney in preparing a defense.

These psychiatric professionals are sometimes needed to serve as expert witnesses in criminal and civil cases. Here, they make reports with their opinion on the case and present it to the jury or judge. The jury or judge may use the opinion on making their final verdict regarding the case.

These psychiatrists may also give their opinion regarding the state of mind of an individual at the time they committed a crime. They seek to determine whether or not the defendant could understand the criminality of their actions. Different states apply this psychiatric knowledge to different levels with some rejecting it completely.

Three key standards of reason are based upon by FP specialists in determining mental fitness. The three standards are ALI test, Durham rule, and MNaghten rules. If mental capacity is determined to be lacking in the defendant during or after committing a crime, one of the three standards may be based upon to drop the charges. The basis for freeing the defendant is lack of mental capacity to understand the criminality of their actions.

When psychiatrists are hired to evaluate mental fitness in court, both the defense and prosecution usually have their own professionals. Psychiatrists get employed to care for prisoners in prison and jail. Additionally, their services are needed in caring for individuals who are mentally ill and as a result of their mental illness, they have been free from their crimes.

The risk management profession is adopting FP at a high rate. FP is used to avoid future risks by placing suspected or potential offenders under the supervision of forensic psychiatric professionals. The professionals usually work as a team comprised of nurses, psychologists, care workers, and psychiatrists.




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