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Forensic Psychiatric Examinations - Competency

NCJ Number
81501
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1982) Pages: 119-124
Author(s)
D F Koson
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The many definitions of competency in civil, criminal, and domestic relations law are discussed with emphasis on the various legal criteria for competency and the different classes of psychiatric information required to apply the criteria to a given case.
Abstract
Within the context of a general discussion of forensic examinations, techniques for gathering the right kind of information are systematically related to the exigencies of evaluating past, present, or future mental states by selectively altering the focus of mental status evaluations and history-taking. In addition, special investigative techniques such as hypnosis. Amytal sodium interview, stress interview, psychological testing, and others are discussed. (Author abstract)