The Importance of Psychiatric Reports in Legal Settings

The written report is central to the practice of psychiatry in legal settings. It is required of mental health professionals acting as expert witnesses in criminal cases, civil litigation situations, child custody proceedings, and risk assessments.

Overview of the Book

This book provides a theoretical background to psychiatric writing for the law and a practical guide to the preparation of the report.

Content Breakdown

The first section addresses practical and ethical concerns, including the conduct of the forensic psychiatric evaluation, conflicts of interest, record keeping, and confidentiality.

The second section contains practical and detailed advice on preparing various types of reports, including reports for use in criminal and civil litigation, civil commitment hearings, and child custody proceedings.

A final section covers special issues arising during report preparation, including the use of psychological tests and the detection of malingering.

Who Should Read This Book

This is an essential guide for anyone required to write a psychiatric report.