Questions an assessment may address
- What information exists about mental state at the relevant time?
- Which psychological abilities need examination?
- How do history, behaviour and records relate?
How we approach this matter
Current assessment is considered alongside sources from the period of the events. We examine psychological history, records, substance use where relevant and alternative explanations. Technical descriptions of abilities are distinguished from legal decisions about responsibility.
What the report provides
A report defining what may be inferred about the criminal-law questions from the available information, with temporal and methodological limits.
Useful material for the initial review
- Relevant procedural documents.
- Psychological, clinical and toxicological history.
- Previous expert reports and contemporaneous records.
A brief description is enough for the first contact. Document sharing is arranged afterwards.
A common question
Does a present assessment automatically establish a past mental state?
Retrospective assessment needs sources from the relevant period. Current functioning contributes information but does not replace that reconstruction.