Forensic psychiatry assessments in Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China, 1997–2006

Abstract

Forensic psychiatry is a growing sub-specialty in the People's Republic of China (PRC). This article describes 3016 persons assessed by a service in Sichuan Province, over 10 years (1997–2006). Most assessments were referred by the police for courts in criminal cases to determine fitness to stand trial and degree of criminal responsibility. Those not responsible were more likely to be older, farmers, with poor education, schizophrenia, facing charges of serious violence. The largest increase in referrals over the study period was for civil assessments. Forensic psychiatrists also provided assessments of competency of alleged female victims of sexual violence to consent to sexual intercourse. Forensic psychiatry in Sichuan showed many similarities to clinical practice in western countries.

Keywords:

• China
• forensic psychiatry
• criminal cases
• civil cases

Acknowledgment

This study was sponsored by the China Medical Board of New York Inc (CMB) awarded to J.H. (no. 92562) and MY (no. 00-722).