Forensic Psych

Question 1

Describe elements of defense of insanity x4

Answer 1

The client accepts guilt
Has to prove that at the time the crime was committed they had a mental illness
That prevented them from knowing what is right or wrong
And they could not stop themselves

Question 2

3 aspects of criminal responsibility

Answer 2

Fault
Criminal capacity
Unlawful conduct

Question 3

Define civil law and 2 examples

Answer 3

A dispute between 2 people concerning private rights eg child custody and disability claims

Question 4

Define criminal law

Answer 4

When the state is persecuting an individual for breaking rules that govern the society

Question 5

Role of a psychiatrist in criminal law x3

Answer 5

Do risk assessment
Determine if fit to stand trial
Determine criminal or responsibility

Question 6

What does psychiatrist assess in child custody x5

Answer 6

Parents mental health
Parents personality
Parenting ability
Quality of relationship
Childs maturity or capacity to decide

Question 7

Describe the concept of disability claims

Answer 7

The plaintiff ie the one who sues is to prove to the psychiatrist that they have a mental condition that is causing significant functional impairment for them

Question 8

Factors considered on fitness to stand trial x4

Answer 8

Understanding of the charges
Knowledge of court members and proceedings
Ability to instruct their lawyers and participate in their defense
Ability to plea

Question 9

Examples of involuntary unlawful conduct x4

Answer 9

Automatism
Sleep walking
Physical coercion
Accidental intoxication

Question 10

Examples of non pathological criminal incapacity x3

Answer 10

Young age
Intoxication
Severe emotional stress

Question 11

Examples of pathological criminal incapacity x2

Answer 11

Mental illness
Mental defect

Question 12

Define risk assessment and its challenges x3

Answer 12

It is a prediction of future violent acts
1. Very subjective
2. Time and context related
3. No one can predict the future

Question 13

Define malingering

Answer 13

The production or exaggeration psychiatric symptoms to achieve an easily identifiable goal

Question 14

When is malingering suspected x5

Answer 14

If there is easily identifiable gain
When patient agrees to all symptoms
Discrepancies in history and collateral
Symptoms are atypical
Individual not cooperative with assessment and management