Criminal responsibility evaluations: Benchmarking in different countries

Abstract

Forensic mental health experts play a crucial role in criminal responsibility evaluations. However, the quality of these assessments has at time come under scrutiny and has been heavily criticized. A literature review revealed significant differences between countries concerning legal frameworks and procedures for conducting these assessments. The findings suggest that although some countries can be seen as a "role model", there still is room for improvement.

Keywords: Criminal responsibility; Forensic psychiatric evaluation; Forensic psychiatric expert; Forensic psychiatry; Insanity defense.