Archive 1992–2014

The author draws attention to the shortcomings of forensic-psychiatric examinations as perceived by practicing prosecutors. He discusses the problems of observation and presence of forensic psychiatrists at the trial. Practice suggests that, all in all, cooperation between court organs and prosecutors on the one hand and forensic psychiatrists on the other hand is good. Problems arise when minors or women are to be observed because of the Jack of separate institutions in which such observations may be carried out. Many hospitals do not have adequate facilities for such examinations and observations (e.g., they Jack appropriate security measures). In the author's opinion, articles 51 and 52 of the Mental Health Act facilitate cooperation between forensic psychiatrists and trial organs although the legislative regulations still have to be commented if the legislator's intentions are to be correctly interpreted.