Psychiatric reports for Nigerian courts: an analysis of the views of the bench

The views of magistrates and judges serving in Ogun State of Nigeria were assessed by means of an anonymous questionnaire. The latter sought such views on the psychiatric reports which they had previously received as well as what they considered useful information for inclusion in such reports. The response rate was 83%. The results suggest that psychiatric reports are thoroughly read by magistrates and judges and they are useful in the courts decision-making process. They viewed comments on "fitness to plead," "criminal responsibility" and "dangerousness" as quite useful information for the courts but these were at times missing in psychiatric reports. Also the majority were of the view that psychiatric reports were usually delayed, thus prolonging the trial of mentally abnormal offenders. The reason for this were cursorily highlighted and suggestions for speedier trials proffered. Finally, the authors provided a guide on information regarded as "useful" by these Nigerian courts and stressed the need for further investigation of the subject.