Forensic psychologists address the essential components of competency and insanity, both of which are used to evaluate an individual’s fitness to stand trial. Lawyers and the courts rely on the expertise of forensic psychologists to understand these concepts and make professional determinations based upon their legal definitions.
Competency refers to a defendant’s capacity to comprehend the allegations, while insanity refers to the mental state of the defendant at the time of the crime.
Forensic psychologists address the essential components of competency and insanity, both of which are used to evaluate an individual’s fitness to stand trial. Lawyers and the courts rely on the expertise of forensic psychologists to understand these concepts and make professional determinations based upon their legal definitions.
Competency refers to a defendant’s capacity to comprehend the allegations, while insanity refers to the mental state of the defendant at the time of the crime.