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Forensic Psychiatric Practice in Serious Criminal Cases

Thank you for your interest in this course which has been developed as an introduction for psychiatrists who are acting as, or might be asked to be, expert witnesses in criminal, legal proceedings. We hope that there are components of the course that will be helpful to other mental health professionals as well as legal practitioners.

The course has been divided into three main sections interspersed with opportunities for self- assessment and feedback. The sections should be completed in the order recommended below.

1. Pre-course self-assessment

Please click here to complete the self-assessment.

2. E-learning

Please click here to access the E-learning

3. Pre-recorded lectures

Please click to access each of the lectures.
i. Lecture 1: Assessment
ii. Lecture 2: Report writing
iii. Lecture 3: Giving evidence in court
iv. Lecture 4: Pre-trial issues
v. Lecture 5: Mental condition defences
vi. Lecture 6: Sentencing
vii. Lecture 7: Ethical issues

4. Mid-course self assessment
5. Case-based learning

Case-based learning involves working through the questions associated with each vignette. You should use the handbook as a reference guide as you attempt the questions. Click on each link to start working on the cases.

Case-based learning
Introductory webinar (duration 1 hour)
First case

Please click here for case-based learning 1.

Second case

Please click here for case-based learning 2.

Third case

Please click here for case-based learning 3.

Fourth case

Please click here for case-based learning 4.

Fifth case

Please click here for case-based learning 5. 

Sixth case

Please click here for case-based learning 6.

Seventh case

Please click here for case-based learning 7.

Eighth case

Please click here for case-based learning 8.

6. Post-course assessment and feedback

The post-course assessment will be available once the course has finished in February 2022.

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