RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The Judge’s View of Competency Evaluations II
JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
SP 381
OP 389
VO 15
IS 4
A1 Owens, Howard
A1 Rosner, Richard
A1 Harmon, Ronnie B.
YR 1987
UL http://jaapl.org/content/15/4/381.abstract
AB Twenty trial court judges were surveyed to determine what information they considered pertinent in psychiatric examinations for competence. These judges showed a clear understanding of what they were asking for in ordering the examinations but also showed a significant tendency to use the competency exam to advise them about other issues in addition (e.g., dangerousness or the need for treatment). As a group the judges appeared to be eager for psychiatric input. Typical judges could be described as pragmatic in their views of psychiatry in the courtroom, having a relatively low level of expectation but a high degree of satisfaction with the psychiatric opinions they receive.