Citation

Barnard PG. Am. J. Forensic Psychol. 1998; 16(2): 27-62.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, American College of Forensic Psychology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Automatism is a complex legal concept which relates to diminished capacity. The case cited involved many significant physical and psychological elements including a severe reactive depression as well as lack of sleep and nutrition resulting in a dissociative episode during which a crime was committed. The forensic psychologist involved evaluated, treated, and testified at the criminal trial and the subsequent deposition for a civil lawsuit.

Language: en

Keywords

amnesia; arson; case report; competence; criminal justice; depression; forensic psychiatry; human; mental patient; psychologic test; review; sleep disorder; suicide attempt; witness