In forensic psychiatry, one is often called on to examine
an accused to determine if he has a mental
disorder, thus opening a defense to criminal charges.
To this end, the psychiatrist must consider, in the
final analysis, whether the accused could meet the
test for the insanity defense, taking into account the
definitions of legal insanity extant in the jurisdiction.
In some jurisdictions, mitigating factors such as intoxication
or diminished capacity may lead to reduced
convictions.