Forensic psychiatrists help facilitate the criminal justice process by offering expert evaluations and testimony. Their evaluations help determine if individuals are competent to stand trial and whether their existing mental health conditions act as an integral component of their defense. They may also play a role in establishing appropriate sentencing recommendations based on the mental state of the accused at the time the crime was committed.
Forensic Psychiatry Evaluations and Tests
To answer the question, “What is forensic psychiatry,” it is important to explore the evaluations and tests used to create a clear picture of the mental state of the accused. The evaluation process starts with an assessment performed while interviewing the accused individual. A review of their health history may play a role in the assessment process as well. The assessment is always performed in such a way that prevents malingering, so the forensic psychiatrist can make an accurate diagnosis. Additional neurological tests may be performed to determine if any additional brain conditions exist and impact the results.
What is Forensic Psychiatry Used for in Court?
When the defense brings in forensic psychiatrists as expert witnesses, they are generally attempting to prove that their client was not in their right mind when the crime was committed or that they are not fit to stand trial. The defense attorneys may want to file a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity and need supporting documentation to make that claim in court. They may also use the forensic psychiatry evaluations to offer mitigating circumstances during the sentencing phase of the trial.
How Forensic Psychiatry Can Change Case Outcomes
Judges weigh the factors introduced by forensic psychiatrists to determine if the defense attorney’s claims have merit. The judge may decide to allow the insanity plea or reduce the sentence to reflect the accused’s mental state at that time and in the past. The judge may also require that the accused individual undergo constant monitoring by a mental health expert and follow the proposed treatment to avoid contempt charges in the future.
The field of forensic psychiatry plays an important role in the justice system. Without these experts, the mental health status of the accused would not be admissible as evidence in court. These individuals help the defense team advocate for their client in the best way possible. The sentences brought down by the judge reflect on the whole situation, mitigating factors included, to make a fair ruling on the case
