Role Of A Forensic Psychiatrist In A Courtroom!

 

What is forensic psychiatry? Who is a forensic psychiatrist? What are their specialties? How can they help people? The below write-ups contain a vivid idea of forensic psychiatry, the role of forensic psychiatrists in a courtroom, and the mental health court in Los Angeles.

The above queries have a single-line answer: forensic psychiatrists focus on mental health conditions and law enforcement issues. Forensic psychiatrists usually deal with the mental health of the defenders and often draw a link between the intent of the criminal during the crime. 

Every crime needs to be judged fairly. Most of the time, criminals with mental health issues commit crimes without understanding their consequences. So it is very important to understand the mental health of the criminal during the time of the crime.         

• Forensic psychiatrists opine about criminal activity. Her decision helps the law enforcement departments make a fair decision against the criminal. They are considered fact finders, where they assess the whole story to find the truth. 

• In the courtroom, they must be present to share their opinions when needed. Most forensic psychiatrists use their proven psychology tricks to determine the criminal's mental condition, motive, and mental age. Their assessments help the judges to gain a brief idea about the insanity of the accused. 

 

• The individuals who lack the substantial capacity either to appreciate the wrongfulness or to conform to their conduct need to be treated differently. The courtroom seeks a psychiatrist's help to understand this kind of criminal's condition.

• In many cases, their expert opinion helps in obtaining the required justice. Their testimony regarding several conditions and evidence says a lot about the possible storyline of the case.

Let me put you up with a case study. Once, a mental defendant in La County who stabbed his mother with a deadly and dangerous weapon was further diagnosed as a mental illness patient. The whole case took a dramatic turn when it was confirmed that he killed his mother due to his ill mental health. 

In many cases, the courtroom depends upon the expert opinion of a forensic psychiatrist to decide between harsh sentences or required medical help. Professional forensic psychiatrists do not root for a single side and share their expert opinion about a specific situation without being biased. Their years of education and experience with different conditions help them evaluate the mental state of criminals.