When a defendant’s mental state at the time of an alleged offense is questioned, courts request a Criminal Responsibility evaluation from the Institute of Forensic Psychology (IFP). These assessments determine whether psychological conditions influenced the individual’s ability to appreciate the nature, quality, or wrongfulness of their actions.
Our Approach
Criminal Responsibility evaluations at IFP include:
- Comprehensive record review of medical, legal, and psychological history.
- Structured clinical interviews with the defendant.
- Standardized psychological assessments relevant to cognition, mental health, and behavioral functioning.
- Application of findings to the legal standards of criminal responsibility.
What We Address
- Presence of psychological or psychiatric disorders at the time of the alleged offense.
- Ability to understand the nature and consequences of actions.
- Capacity to distinguish right from wrong.
- Clinical factors that may have influenced behavior.
Reporting
IFP delivers reports that are clear, impartial, and directly address the referral question. Our evaluations provide courts with objective findings that explain how psychological evidence relates to statutory definitions of criminal responsibility.
Why Choose IFP
IFP delivers evaluations that are objective, evidence-based, and trusted in court. Our multi-credentialed team employs a thorough and impartial process to ensure that findings are clear, relevant, and legally useful. We prioritize timeliness without sacrificing quality, and every evaluation is conducted with professional respect and cultural competence.
We look forward to working with you and supporting the critical decisions entrusted to the courts.
Supporting Criminal Courts and Legal Professionals
IFP offers Criminal Responsibility Evaluations that meet the highest forensic standards. Our reports are impartial, evidence-based, and written with legal clarity, giving courts and attorneys the information they need for high-stakes criminal cases.
To request an evaluation, please contact IFP directly, and a member of our team will follow up with you shortly.