Crime, psychiatry and the insanity defence: A report on some recent reforms in the United States

Samuel Jan Brakel*, James L. Cavanaugh

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

There have been substantial developments in mental health law in the United States over the last 10-15 years. One focal point has been the insanity defence, discussed here. The operational consequences of the legal changes remain to be assessed empirically, but informed speculation is possible. Both a description of the reforms and the assessment of their potential effect are relevant to members of the psychiatric profession in Australia, whether they be forensic specialists or traditional practitioners or researchers. Selective consideration of the American experience, as opposed to contemplating wholesale transposition, is the appropriate posture for Australian policymakers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)134-141
Number of pages8
JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
Volume30
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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