Towards discrepancy in the conclusions of the evaluation of emotional states (affects) in the practice of further comprehensive forensic psychological and psychiatric examination

Abstract

The article represents problems of secondary comprehensive forensic psychological and psychiatric examination after initial assessment of the accused being in the state of affect during the act of offence. Features of expert work in conducting these examinations, the difficulties faced by psychiatrists and psychologists, reasons for possible disagreement with the conclusions of the previous experts, the need to take into account their conclusions in the argumentation of their decision were noted. To illustrate the problems mentioned, a case study of secondary examination, which does not confirms the conclusions of the primary examination in regard to the qualification of the accused's emotional state as cumulative affect, is provided. On the basis of the analysis some additions were suggested to the standard scheme of psychological research with an assessment of the picture of the emotional state according to the materials of the criminal case and the clinical interview, accounting additional information in materials of criminal case and specifities of accused's self-description presentation.

Keywords

• affect
• expert assessment
• comprehensive forensic psychological and psychiatric examination
• emotional state