The field of science where the areas of criminal justice and psychology coexist is called forensic psychiatry. A forensic psychiatrist is a medical doctor with the training of a psychiatrist. Forensic psychiatrists are not lawyers, cops, or judges, but work closely with all three.
A forensic psychiatrist judges the ability of a defendant to stand trial. If a defendant is a child, an elderly person, or someone with a mental disability or ailment, a forensic psychiatrist must decide if that person is capable of standing trial, if that person understands their rights, if they understand they’ve committed a crime or if they possibly acted in a moment of temporary insanity.
A forensic psychiatrist could also be called into court, as an expert witness in criminal and civil cases. Forensic psychiatrists are often needed to assist with child molestation cases, mental disability cases, violence cases, and elderly offenders. Often times, the psychiatrist would execute a study of an issue in the case and/or the defendant and prepare a report on their findings. The psychiatrist would be called in to the court room to express an expert opinion on the subject at hand.
A forensic psychiatrist could also provide care for mentally ill or dangerous inmates of prisons and jails. Forensic Psychiatry is an interesting field, and it’s popularity is growing.
Forensic Psychiatry Research Society – A research society that aims to increase interests in forensic psychiatry, supporting students in their career, and assists the disclosure of research.
What Does a Forensic Psychiatrist Do? – Information on what a forensic psychiatrist does in their career.
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