Just as other branches of the discipline of forensics have grown significantly in importance over the last few decades, forensic psychiatry has also come to the forefront as an important form of testimony in the courtroom. Expert witness psychology has also grown increasingly important for prosecutors and defense attorneys alike. A professional who has received extra training beyond that for the practice of psychiatry in the field of forensics serve as consultant or witnesses in reference to those areas that exist between the law and psychiatry.
When one side of the court room is trying to proof insanity or incompetence of a defendant, the other side is busy arguing the other side of the case. This type of specialized expert witness testimony is based on the combination of two separate disciplines of science that are considered authentic and believable by most juries so that it is considered seriously whether it supports the defense or the prosecution. A forensic psychiatry expert witness is governed by a strict code of ethics to ensure the validity and value of their testimony in any court case.
Lawyers are experts in the local and federal laws that apply to their cases. When any area of expertise enters into the case, there can be a lot of difficulty in trying to determine what psychiatric conditions or medications may have played a role. An expert witness or a consultation can provide either side with the valuable information needed to give the case a new perspective that is based on law and science.