Scope of work: Forensic psychiatrists/psychologists address a broad range of legal issues when they work on criminal cases, civil cases, and other areas such as family/domestic relations law. They spend a significant amount of time working with attorneys and judges and are trained in giving effective expert testimony. They will assess the mental health level of each individual pertaining to the investigation and the role in the crimes perpetrated.
Education and Training: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who generally have completed twelve years of education and training, including undergraduate, medical school, and residency training in general psychiatry. Forensic psychiatrists also have additional experiences in another related field like addiction psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry.
Career Opportunities: They may be employed in private practice, by private hospitals, by state governments or law enforcement agency. They may work in a state prison or state hospital setting.