ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

Forensic Analysis and Psycholegal Implications of Parricide and Attempted Parricide
Weisman, AM
Clinical assistant professor of Psychiatry, University of Southern California School of Medicine, and Staff Psychologist at California Department of Corrections Region III Parole Outpatient Clinic, CA

Sharma, KK
Clinical professor of Psychiatry, University of Southern California School of Medicine, CA

(Received 15 December 1995; accepted 19 May 1997)

Abstract

In a retrospective archive study, 64 adjudicated adult cases involving the murder or attempted murder of at least one parent, referred for forensic evaluations are described. Biographic, demographic, diagnostic, crime scene, psycholegal opinion, and disposition data are presented. Results indicated a 40% rate of insanity acquitees. Attempted parricide subjects were more likely to have inpatient psychiatric histories, witnesses present during the criminal act, nonresponsiveness towards their actions, competency raised, and a hospital disposition. Gender and ethnicity were found to have a significant effect on ultimate disposition. Fifty-four percent of the sample opined psychotic were sentenced to prison, suggesting other factors considered by judge and jury. Profile characteristics and typologies are presented. The findings are compared to studies involving parricide and legal strategies involving similar cases.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic psychiatry, parricide, matricide, patricide, murder, intrafamilial violence

Paper ID: JFS14270J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14270J
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