The judge's view of competency evaluations. II |
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Authors: | H Owens R Rosner R B Harmon |
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Institution: | Forensic Psychiatry Clinic for the Criminal and Supreme Courts, New York, NY 10013. |
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Abstract: | Twenty trial court judges were surveyed to determine what information they considered pertinent in psychiatric examinations for competence. These judges showed a clear understanding of what they were asking for in ordering the examinations but also showed a significant tendency to use the competency exam to advise them about other issues in addition (e.g., dangerousness or the need for treatment). As a group the judges appeared to be eager for psychiatric input. Typical judges could be described as pragmatic in their views of psychiatry in the courtroom, having a relatively low level of expectation but a high degree of satisfaction with the psychiatric opinions they receive. |
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