Abstract
In the preceding chapters we have discussed the psychological issues involved when assessing an individual for competency and criminal responsibility assisting the attorney in using a legal excuse defense such as insanity because of mental disease or defect like mental retardation or brain damage. In this chapter we will discuss another way for individuals to be found not guilty of a crime because their behavior was justified. Some legal scholars claim the behavior itself cannot even be labeled as criminal because the necessary mens rea or state of mind is not present.
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Walker, L.E.A., Shapiro, D.L. (2003). Self-Defense and Syndrome Testimony. In: Introduction to Forensic Psychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-3795-0_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-3795-0_6
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-3421-5
Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-3795-0
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