Journal Published Online: 01 July 1978
Volume 23, Issue 3

Alternatives in Psychiatric Testimony on Dangerousness

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

In the District of Columbia, as in many state jurisdictions, psychiatrists are likely to encounter the issue of testifying in a court regarding their “predictions of future dangerousness” in two situations: (a) during the process of involuntary civil commitment or commitment after a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity in a criminal case and (b) upon petition for a conditional or unconditional release after commitment in a criminal case [1ߝ3]. The criteria for civil commitment in the District of Columbia are mental illness and a finding that the mentally ill individual is likely to injure himself or others because of his mental illness [4]. The standard is similar after a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity [5, 6].

Author Information

Smith, JT
Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, D.C.
English, MJ
Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10710J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10710J