Forensic Psychiatry

Forensic Psychiatry is a sub-specialty of psychiatry and is related to criminology. It encompasses the interface between law and psychiatry. A forensic psychiatrist provides services – such as determination of competency to stand trial – to a court of law to facilitate the adjudicative process and provide treatment like medications and psychotherapy to criminals.

History

The history of forensic psychiatry is as old as that of jurisprudence and psychiatry combined. The term 'forensic' comes from the Latin word 'forensis', meaning 'of the forum' where the law courts of ancient Rome were held. Forensic psychiatry was born in the 19th century, with the works of James Prichard and Isaac Ray, who laid the foundation for this science.

Role of Forensic Psychiatrists

Forensic psychiatrists are involved in a variety of specific areas, including:

• Competency evaluations
• Criminal responsibility
• Personal injury claims and lawsuits
• Psychiatric malpractice and professional ethics
• Workman's compensation
• Child custody issues

Competency Evaluations

In the legal system, the most important task of the forensic psychiatrist is the assessment of competency. This refers to the assessment of the defendant's competency to stand trial, to be executed, to refuse treatment, and to make a will.

Criminal Responsibility

The assessment of criminal responsibility refers to the assessment of the defendant's mental state at the time of the crime. This is often referred to as the insanity defense, although the legal standards for this vary widely.

Personal Injury Claims and Lawsuits

Forensic psychiatrists are often involved in personal injury claims and lawsuits, particularly in relation to psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Psychiatric Malpractice and Professional Ethics

Forensic psychiatrists may be involved in cases of psychiatric malpractice, where the question is whether a practitioner has met the standard of care in the treatment of a patient.

Workman's Compensation

Forensic psychiatrists may be involved in workman's compensation cases, where the issue is whether a specific injury (physical or emotional) is work-related or not.

Child Custody Issues

In child custody disputes, a forensic psychiatrist may be involved in assessing the best interests of the child.

See Also

• Psychiatry
• Criminology
• Law
• Competency evaluations
• Criminal responsibility
• Personal injury
• Psychiatric malpractice
• Workman's compensation
• Child custody