The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
No Access

The legal basis of forensic psychiatry: statutorily mandated psychiatric diagnoses

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.144.7.847

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.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.