Forensic-psychiatric evaluation of the capacity to give evidence of the accused with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Abstract

Discussed are issues of forensicpsychiatric evaluation of capability of giving evidence. Results are presented of examination of 92 accused persons with schizophrenia or schizotypal personality disorder. Based on comparison of clinical picture with intellectual and volitional criteria of capability to provide evidence identified are clinico-dynamic characteristics that impact on potential capacity of the accused to take in the right spirit the external and internal aspects of circumstances relevant to the case and give evidence relating thereto. It is shown that capability to give evidence requires lesser integrity of psychic processes than is the case with realizing one’s rights in criminal proceedings (the capacity of an individual to stand trial).