Forensic psychiatric practice in the Nordic countries

Abstract

The Nordic countries share the ideals of the welfare state and the view that a fair society must provide its weakest, most vulnerable members with special protection. Though largely based on similar precepts, the legislation is not identical in the five Nordic countries. Differences are found in the criteria for eligibility for psychiatric treatment, extent of court involvement, range of applicable measures, investigational procedures, and in the content, organization, and financing of the forensic psychiatric sectors.

• Forensic psychiatry
• medico-legal investigation
• legislation
• organization
• psychiatric treatment