Expert Psychiatric Evidence

A guide to what a psychiatrist needs to know in order to prepare medico-legal reports and become an expert witness. This book covers the roles and responsibilities of the psychiatric expert witness in the context of case and statute law, administration, training and other practical matters, the medico-legal consultation and the structure and form of the expert report. Specific chapters deal with psychiatric reports in criminal, civil and family cases, as well as inquests, tribunals and other parts of the legal system. Preparation of reports for jurisdictions in the British Isles outside England and Wales is covered. It will be of value to trainee psychiatrists and recently appointed consultants who need a handbook to assist them as they acquire the training, skills and knowledge necessary to prepare expert psychiatric evidence for courts and other legal forums. This book is aimed at psychiatrists who wish to write medico-legal reports and become expert witnesses, but it will also be a useful resource for established expert psychiatric witnesses and the solicitors and barristers who instruct them.