Psychiatry
/ˌsaɪ.kiˈæ.tri/
Definitions
- (n.) The branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, relevant in legal contexts such as competency evaluations and insanity defenses.
The court ordered a psychiatry evaluation to determine the defendant's mental state at the time of the offense.
Related terms
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Commentary
In legal contexts, psychiatry often informs issues of mental competence, criminal responsibility, and civil commitment.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.