The Trouble with American Forensic Psychiatry

Abstract

Forensic psychiatry is a subspecialty with training programs and board recognition. The cornerstone of the field is expert testimony on subjects ranging from criminal responsibility to work stress to malpractice. In the adversary system, however, the impartial expert may well be a myth. By not paying enough attention to the problems of being truly objective in court, forensic psychiatrists encourage the hired gun label and risk making a mockery of their subspecialty. Solutions first demand ongoing recognition and focus on the problem by organizations and training programs. Giving up the idea of being impartial and openly becoming debaters committed to whatever issue is at hand is one possibility. Other solutions are also discussed. Giving up the work is one form of protest.