At the Cusp of Law & Psychology: an Analysis of Forensic Psychiatry and Its Intersection with Legislature and Legal Proceedings

Abstract

The study of law is highly dynamic and intersectional. One such intersection is that of Psychology and Law. Both these fields deal with human behaviour. This paper attempts to highlight the interplay between these two fields by discussing various legislations like The Family Courts Act 1984, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, Juvenile Justice Act 1986, Consumer Protection Act 1986, Persons with Disability Act 1995, The Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act 2007 and analyses the way forensic psychiatry has been applied to these legislation. The paper also evaluates the use of forensic psychiatry in imperative judicial processes such as witness testimony and legal divorce counselling.