Overview Legal issues are common and acknowledged, although rarely welcomed, aspects of modern medicine. Physicians respond to these issues in various ways, ranging from denial of their existence, to resentment at the perceived intrusion into the patient care they create,…
Key Points Malpractice litigation has a significant impact on the professional and personal lives of sued psychiatrists, but the evidence does not support perceptions that it is out of control. Liability of psychiatrists is normally limited to acts of negligence…
Key Points Psychiatric evaluations within the criminal justice system include assessment of criminal responsibility, competency to stand trial, competency to plead, competency to waive counsel, and competency to be executed. Each of the above evaluations serves the purpose of upholding…
Key Points Litigation is divided into two general categories: civil and criminal. Civil matters involve claims of injury or some other transgression that can be remedied by the payment of money (damages) or performance or cessation of certain activities (injunctive…