Am J Psychiatry 1987; 144:847-853
Copyright © 1987 by American Psychiatric Association
The legal basis of forensic psychiatry: statutorily mandated psychiatric diagnoses
JD Bloom and JL Rogers
Using the Oregon statutory scheme as an example, the authors review certain
areas of the law where psychiatric expertise is mandated by statute. This
review points out the diversity of determinations where forensic
psychiatric expertise is required by law. The authors' thesis is that
forensic psychiatry draws its vitality from the law. Legal requirements,
however, should not dictate psychiatric response, which should be guided by
psychiatric knowledge and ethical concerns.
