Citation

McClung M. Bull. Am. Acad. Psychiatry Law 1990; 18(4): 365-372.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2149661

Abstract

The legal 'tests' for suicide liability in negligence and workmen's compensation law have developed along parallel, but not identical, lines to the tests for criminal responsibility. Current legal precedent has shifted the focus from cognitive awareness and irresistible impulse theories to the ability of a negligent act or injury to cause an abnormal mental state. The courts, in their variable interpretation of these mental state tests, leave no clear guidelines for the psychiatric expert asked to address suicidal behavior from the standpoint of responsibility.

Language: en