Law and psychology: a historical perspective (1)

In this first of a series of three articles, the relationship between law and psychology is discussed from a historical perspective. The article is divided into four sections: First, the early developments are described. Secondly, the use of medical knowledge and experts in Roman law is discussed. Thirdly, attention is devoted to the legal status of the mentally ill during the Middle Ages and how the thirteenth century appears to have been a turning-point in this regard. Lastly, important medicolegal developments during the Renaissance and the replacement of the belief in witchcraft by a more scientific approach are described.