Insanity Defense Evaluations - Basic Procedure and Best Practices
December 2nd 2008The insanity defense represents a prominent symbol of the relationship between law and psychiatry. Despite the fact that it is infrequently raised and seldom successful, the insanity defense is the subject of intense legal and public scrutiny.
Being an Effective Psychiatric Expert Witness
November 1st 2007Many psychiatrists feel intimidated by or frightened about courtroom testimony. However, with the proper preparation, the psychiatrist need not have a difficult experience. It is the role of an expert witness to educate the court on matters that are beyond a layperson's understanding.
Forensic Issues in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
December 1st 2005Consultation-liaison psychiatrists frequently encounter clinical situations that have legal implications. Competency evaluations, which are the most common legal question in C&L psychiatry, are reviewed in this article. In addition, the authors discuss guardianship, decision making in patients who refuse treatment, confidentiality and the role of the psychiatric consultant in against medical advice discharges.