NCJ Number
110595
Date Published
1986
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This paper explains the applications of clinical psychiatric knowledge and skills to the need of the American legal system, based on the third edition of the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association, and explains the principles and elements involved in conducting forensic psychiatric examinations and preparing forensic psychiatric reports for the courts.
Abstract
Psycholegal issues involved in civil commitment proceedings are also analyzed. Discussions are included of memory, hypnosis, malingering, and the use and misuse for legal purposes of the diagnostic system found in 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' (DSM III). A recommended report outline includes explanations of the following elements: identifying data, the purpose of the examination, preparation for the evaluation, relevant past history, the examinee's descriptions of movements, state of mind, and other factors, details regarding the examinee's appearance and mental status, the diagnostic formulation, the diagnosis, and the psychiatrist's opinion. Two examples of actual reports and 58 references.