Post-graduate training in forensic psychiatry

Post-graduate fellowship training in forensic psychiatry is a relatively new and developing area in the field of psychiatry. In the past, medicolegal issues pertaining to mental health were studied by general psychiatrists who gradually became involved and attained a level of expertise through experience and self-education. However, specialized skills in making assessments, drawing up reports and giving evidence in court, in addition to knowledge of mental health laws, institutions and the legal system are required. With the advent of fellowship programmes in forensic psychiatry, these skills and knowledge no longer have to be acquired in a haphazard manner. A core curriculum defines the parameters of the knowledge, training guidelines ensure adequate exposure and standardized accreditation requirements facilitate these goals. The advantages of subspeciality training are numerous. Firstly, it ensures compliance with a level of expertise necessary to address complex issues at the interface of psychiatry and law. Secondly, it allows the specialist to become a communicator of his or her knowledge in the legal arena. His or her work must be logical, methodical and soundly based. It must be clearly expressed and understandable to its various audiences. Finally, it leads to the development of future research activities. Issues in current training and future directions are discussed.