Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry

Juveniles are a population that hold a special place within the legal system. This special place has evolved over centuries. Recognizing what has contributed to that evolution is important in appreciating the forensic issues that arise within child and adolescent psychiatry. This has included the development of the juvenile court system and the numerous reforms which have taken place within that system. It is also important to understand the concept of culpability and how this concept is applied to juveniles when determining the appropriate punishment for a crime. The US Supreme Court has reviewed several cases that have contributed to an evolving understanding of juveniles within the courts and the extent to which minors are able to be punished. In their decisions, the Court has recognized several aspects of the neurobiological and social development of children and adolescents which contributes to their propensity to engage in criminal behavior and their subsequent potential to be found responsible for their actions.