The results suggest that a finding of major mental disorder may be accepted as a mitigating factor, particularly when a disposition is reached through the plea bargaining process. Meanwhile, formal adjudications of fitness for trial (competency) and criminal responsibility did not appear to be significant determinants in the outcome of these cases, even when major mental disorder was demonstrable. Instead, it appears that the forensic psychiatrist functioned most effectively in these cases as an instrument of compassion rather than as ancillary to the criminal law process. It is suggested that this can be an appropriate role for the forensic psychiatrist. (Author abstract)