Amicus Curiae: The Role of the Psychiatrist in Pretrial Examinations
EUGENE J. BALCANOFF M.D.1, and
A. LOUIS MCGARRY M.D.2
1 Assistant clinical professor of legal psychiatry, Law-Medicine Institute, Boston University, 141 Bay State Rd., Boston, Mass. 02215
2 Associate professor of legal psychiatry, Law-Medicine Institute, Boston University, 141 Bay State Rd., Boston, Mass. 02215
It is the authors' contention that the psychiatrist as an amicus curiae can play an effective role in pretrial examinations provided he is experienced, mature, intimately acquainted with the adversary process, and accepted as a member of the court family. Efficacy in this role also demands that he be viewed as treatment oriented not only by the court and the attorneys but by the patient-defendant himself. The authors also examine the question of competency to stand trial, stressing the importance of the attorney-client relationship.
