Insanity Symptoms & Treatment Report
Lawyers or health professionals often seek insanity assessment reports from psychiatrists to evaluate whether the defendant is responsible for their actions due to severe mental illness at the time of the criminal act. In New Zealand, only a court can make the ultimate decision of whether a person is legally insane or not, after considering the evidence from the forensic psychiatric experts and reading the insanity assessment reports. You can refer to the Crimes Act 1961 Section 23 Insanity for more information.
At Auckland Psychiatrist, we can carry out insanity assessments according to New Zealand jurisdictions and legislations. The insanity reports we produce guides the court, but we do not testify to the accused's criminal responsibility, as this is a matter of the court to decide.
Insanity Assessment Process
At Auckland Psychiatrist, we have 8 years of experience in forensic psychiatry in providing expert assessments of insanity and testimony to court.
Each insanity assessment will be tailored to the specific circumstances of the case or situation.
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Our psychiatrists will first perform an assessment to establish the presence or absence of a major psychiatric disorder or intellectual disability. The insanity assessment will further look into the conditions whether the person is incapable of understanding the nature, quality and the moral wrongfulness of their actions. If necessary, we can also provide verbal testimony to assist the court. Insanity reports can be provided within two weeks, while more complex matters may take longer
Why Auckland Psychiatrist?
On top of providing high-quality insanity assessment and report to clients, Dr Neena Joseph is active in clinical practice which allows her to give evidence-based opinions and expert witness testimony in criminal courts. Dr Neena Joseph is a highly qualified forensic psychiatrist, a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrist UK, a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrist, and has been employed as a consultant psychiatrist at the Auckland Regional Psychiatric Services since 2012
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Our psychiatrists ask clients who are referred by a solicitor or other health agency with detailed questions and written information, ensuring high standards in our assessment process and high quality of insanity reports .
If you are a lawyer or health professional who is seeking insanity assessments, please contact Auckland Psychiatrist on 0212416007 or fill in our online inquiry form to ask us about our insanity assessments and reports.
Insanity Assessment Defence in NZ
Before 2003, the insanity of a defendant is determined at the end of a trial. However, changes to the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 mean that if the judge, the defendant's lawyer and the Crown solicitor all agree, an insanity ruling can now be reached without any trial needed. If someone is acquitted of a crime on insanity grounds, the presiding judge would order a disposition report.
Under section 23 of the Crimes Act 1961, insanity is defined as a disease of mind or natural imbecility that a person incapable of understanding of the nature and quality of the act, or knowing the act was morally wrong. Insanity before or after the time when he did or omitted the act, and insane delusions, though only partial, may be evidence that the offender was at the time when he did or omitted the act, in such a condition of mind as to render him irresponsible for the act or omission. For more information relating to legal interpretation and procedures relating to insanity, please refer to the Crimes Act 1961 or your lawyer.
Get a Quote
You are welcome to contact Auckland Psychiatrist on 0212416007 to speak directly to Dr Neena Joseph for more information regarding insanity assessments or other services,