Clarity Expert Services supply law firms across the UK with the full range of psychiatric services required for both criminal and family law.
Working with some of the largest law firms across the UK, we ensure access to Psychiatrists that are leaders within their field.
Our psychiatrists can be accessed from any part of the UK, and are available immediately. They are fully adept at assessing clients in any environment; from prisons and secure units, to consulting rooms and the comfort of their own home, you can be assured that your client will be assessed in the most appropriate setting.
What is a forensic psychiatrist
Forensic psychiatry is a medical specialty that focuses on the intersection of mental health and the law. It is a branch of psychiatry that deals with the legal applications of psychiatric knowledge and practice. Forensic psychiatrists evaluate and treat individuals who have been accused of or charged with criminal and civil offenses, as well as provide expert testimony in court proceedings. They also provide consultation services to public and private organizations, such as schools, correctional facilities, and mental health centers.
Forensic psychiatrists often work with law enforcement, solicitors, and judges to determine whether an individual is competent to stand trial, or if they can be held accountable for their actions. They also assess whether a defendant is competent to enter a plea, or if they can understand the consequences of a plea. Forensic psychiatrists may evaluate individuals who are accused of violent or sexual crimes, or those who have been charged with a crime and have a history of mental illness.
Our Psychiatrists can typically address issues that include
Fitness to plead
The primary role of the forensic psychiatrist is to assess the mental capacity of a defendant to understand the legal proceedings in which they are involved. This is known as the fitness to plead assessment. The psychiatrist is tasked with determining whether a defendant is competent to stand trial or is “not guilty by reason of insanity.” In order to make this determination, the psychiatrist must assess the defendant’s ability to understand the nature of the charges against them, their understanding of the legal proceedings, and their capacity to understand the consequences of their actions. The psychiatrist also assesses the defendant’s capacity to understand the evidence against them and to participate in their own defense.
Substance misuse
Forensic psychiatrists are often consulted when there are allegations of substance misuse. In these cases, the psychiatrist is tasked with determining whether a defendant’s substance misuse is causing a significant impairment of their mental capacity to understand the legal proceedings. The psychiatrist must also determine whether the defendant has the capacity to refrain from substance misuse during the trial.
Men’s rea
Forensic psychiatrists are also consulted when there are allegations that a defendant lacked the necessary intent (known as “mens rea”) to their criminal act. The psychiatrist must assess the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offence and determine whether the defendant had the capacity to understand the consequences of their actions.
Depression/anxiety
Forensic psychiatrists are also consulted when a defendant has a history of depression or anxiety. In these cases, the psychiatrist must assess the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offence and determine whether the defendant’s mental illness was causing a significant impairment of their mental capacity to understand the legal proceedings.
Issues involving dementia/Alzheimer’s
Forensic psychiatrists are consulted when a defendant has a history of dementia or Alzheimer’s. In these cases, the psychiatrist must assess the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offence and determine whether the defendant’s dementia or Alzheimer’s was causing a significant impairment of their mental capacity to understand the legal proceedings.
Personality disorders
Forensic psychiatrists are consulted when a defendant has a history of personality disorders. In these cases, the psychiatrist must assess the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offence and determine whether the defendant’s personality disorder was causing a significant impairment of their mental capacity.
Diminished responsibility
Forensic psychiatrists may be called upon to assess a defendant’s capacity to understand the consequences of their actions at the time of the offence. This is known as diminished responsibility and is used by defense attorneys to argue that the defendant was not fully responsible for their actions due to an underlying mental condition. The psychiatrist must assess the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offence and determine whether the defendant’s mental illness was causing a significant impairment of their capacity to understand the consequences of their actions.
Sexual offences
Forensic psychiatrists may be called upon to assess the mental state of a defendant accused of a sexual offence. The psychiatrist must assess the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offence and determine whether the defendant had the capacity to understand the consequences of their actions.
Criminal responsibility
Forensic psychiatrists may be consulted to assess a defendant’s criminal responsibility. This is known as the insanity defense and is used by defense attorneys to argue that the defendant was not fully responsible for their actions due to an underlying mental condition. The psychiatrist must assess the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offence and determine whether the defendant had the capacity to understand the consequences of their actions
If you require a psychiatrist, or would like some advice on which psychiatrist would be best for your case, please contact our team and we will be able to help.
Let Clarity take away the pain of getting an expert witness. Enquire now or call us on 0333 772 1312 to speak to one of our dedicated case managers.