Psychiatry, Forensic

Forensic psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry, a field of medicine. The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law endorses the following definition of the profession, as adopted by the American Board of Forensic Psychiatry: “Forensic psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry in which scientific and clinical expertise is applied to legal issues in legal contexts embracing civil, criminal, and correctional or legislative matters; forensic psychiatry should be practiced in accordance with guidelines and ethical principles enunciated by the profession of psychiatry.”

Forensic psychiatrists work in many settings—forensic hospital units, community mental health centers, court clinics, juvenile treatment centers, prisons, and private practice—conducting forensic evaluation and treatment relevant to legal decision making. Forensic psychiatrists may also work in policy-making or advocacy organizations, using their expertise to influence the development of law, legislation, public policy, government services, and legal procedures affecting the mentally ill. Forensic psychiatrists also examine and evaluate individuals who may have committed a crime, diagnose and plan treatment for them, provide written reports and expert testimony in court proceedings, and work with patients themselves. They often undertake [Page 1290]the complex task of examining the likelihood that an individual will repeat violent behavior.

An offender's mental condition at the time of the offense, during legal proceedings, and afterwards, are of critical importance. The legal system requires authoritative diagnoses of offenders in order to achieve some measure of fairness and appropriateness. This requirement links psychiatry and law, and although they are distinct disciplines with differing goals, definitions, and terminology, each shapes and influences the other. The legal system's need for clear-cut answers often conflicts with medical interpretations of disease and pathology, which sometimes creates tension between the two disciplines, and forensic psychiatrists need be cautious lest they overstate their conclusions to fit legal definitions.