Criteria for Psychological Evaluation of Legally Relevant Emotional States of Defendants: Methodological Recommendations

Abstract

The paper discusses a multivariate classification of the concept of “heat of passion” as it is used in forensic psychology, as well as emotional reactions and emotional states. It explores the criteria for differential diagnosis of “heat of passion” and emotional states that have a significant effect on the defendant's consciousness and behavior at the time of committing a crime. An algorithm of forensic psychological evaluation of the defendant's emotional states is proposed, together with examples of sample wording of expert conclusions, and their legal meaning.

Keywords

• psychological evaluation
• heat of passion
• forensic concept
• emotional state