Pre-trial Assessment of Schizophrenics on Remand*

Abstract

This paper examines the clinical and legal outcomes of a consecutive series of 52 schizophrenic patients remanded to a Forensic Assessment Unit. Typically patients were isolated single males who were unemployed, living on Social Security and had a history of multiple psychiatric hospitalizations. Less than half had previous convictions and about one-third had previous incarcerations. Nearly all were acutely ill on admission and received antipsychotic medication. Seventy-one percent were returned to court fit to stand trial and the remainder were diverted from the criminal justice system. None were found unfit to stand trial. This was achieved by discussions between crown and defence lawyer and psychiatrist near the end of the remand period. Court reports did not make recommendations about legal disposition but did outline the treatment available whatever the legal outcome. It is concluded that these people were treated in legally and medically appropriate ways.