Insanity defense and social dangerousness: A comparative study between China and Italy

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychiatry
• Criminal Law
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Determining criminal responsibility and social dangerousness for mentally disordered offenders is complex.
• Forensic psychiatric evaluation practices vary significantly across jurisdictions.
• Cross-national comparisons can identify opportunities for harmonization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare forensic psychiatric evaluation processes in China and Italy.
• To analyze the assessment of criminal responsibility and social dangerousness in both jurisdictions.
• To underscore the importance of cross-national research for unified standards.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of forensic psychiatric evaluation practices.
• Examination of legal frameworks and assessment methodologies in China and Italy.
• Qualitative review of relevant literature and case studies.

Main Results:

• Significant differences exist in the forensic psychiatric evaluation processes between China and Italy.
• Specific methodologies for assessing criminal responsibility and social dangerousness were identified and contrasted.
• Potential areas for harmonization were highlighted based on shared principles and challenges.

Conclusions:

• Comparative research is essential for developing unified and transparent standards in forensic psychiatry.
• Harmonizing practices can improve the consistency and fairness of evaluations for mentally disordered offenders.
• Further research is needed to explore the practical implementation of harmonized standards globally.