Why and when are psychiatrists invited into the legal arena?
As noted above, there are many times and ways that allow a psychiatrist entry into the legal arena. In the law, experts are brought in when the material requires special knowledge and/or experience to aid in its understanding. Good forensic psychiatrists are teachers, and are there to teach the “trier of fact” (e.g.: judge, jury, hearing board, magistrate) the medical science. This allows that person(s) to apply the facts of the case to the science and thus reach a conclusion or legal opinion, decision or verdict.
