RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Review of Statutes and the Role of the Forensic Psychiatrist in Cyberstalking Involving Youth
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 198
OP 207
DO 10.29158/JAAPL.003831-19
VO 47
IS 2
A1 Paul Elizondo
A1 Dale E. McNiel
A1 Renée Binder
YR 2019
UL http://jaapl.org/content/47/2/198.abstract
AB Adolescents are increasingly exposed to Internet-facilitated crime as they spend more time online. The mental health risks and legal consequences for youth involved in cyberstalking are growing areas of concern. The nature of online stalking presents several challenges regarding investigation, fair adjudication, fact-finding, and legislation. Laws governing online stalking behaviors inconsistently reference the age of a victim or perpetrator as a factor for consideration in case disposition. During adjudication, the forensic psychiatrist may be asked to evaluate the victim or perpetrator involved in cyberstalking. This article focuses on the current legal landscape governing cyberstalking behavior involving adolescents, the roles a forensic psychiatrist may assume in this context, and the opportunity to bring a developmental perspective to these cases.