Journal Published Online: 01 July 1973
Volume 18, Issue 3

The Adversary System: Role of the Psychiatrist

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Forensic psychiatry as a specialty is nonexistent. There is no such sub-specialty recognized within the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Equally as startling within the adversary system is the selection of the so-called forensic psychiatrist. The defense attorney has the choice of several varieties of psychiatrists upon whom to depend for psychiatric expertise within the adversary system. He may call upon a professional psychiatric witness who devotes his primary effort on the courtroom appearance. Or he may select a legally sophisticated but non-trained physician with some degree of psychiatric knowledge. Neither of these professionals has either competence or credibility. Emanuel Tanay properly says, the suspicious attitudes of the general public and lawyers toward the forensic pseudo-psychiatrist are, therefore, understandable.

Author Information

Tuchler, MI
Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS10441J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10441J