The use of psychiatric evidence in the court is on the increase. In this book, the author's main concern is twofold:

"The court has to be capable of understanding:

• exactly what it is that the psychiatrist is trying to tell the court about the accused;
• the limitations of the language and the concepts that the psychiatrist is using."

The reviews conclude that the author succeeds.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: The language of psychiatry
The classification of psychiatric disorders
The major schools of psychiatry
Schizophrenia
Depressive disorders
Psychopathy
Post-traumatic stress disorder

CHAPTER 2: The assessment
The psychiatrist and the person being assessed
The assessment process

CHAPTER 3: The connection between mental disorder and criminal behaviour
Mental disorder and criminal behaviour

CHAPTER 4: Dangerousness
The concept of dangerousness
The relationship between mental disorder and dangerousness
The prediction of dangerousness

Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

"This book, by a psychiatrist, is written for lawyers. But it is a thoroughly good read and will prove fascinating to lay people. [Shea] is eminently qualified in the field. . . . The legal profession and the judiciary . . . will be well advised to read it and have it available for reference. . . . This long overdue text explains, in a clear and illuminating manner, the language and concepts of psychiatry. . ."
-- Robert Hayes, President, Mental Health Review Tribunal (New South Wales)