Criminal trials are the most vivid and immediate type of trial. The criminal verdict confronts the central question of whether the defendant is guilty. In many cases, the judge is called to decide whether the offender is capable of guilt and, if not, to determine whether they are incapable or mentally diminished. The fundamental question that arises is how mental or psychological disorders are ultimately defined and how disturbances of consciousness are understood.

Even when the above questions are not raised in a specific trial, the following issues almost always come up: How is the defendant’s apology evaluated? Is it possible for someone to falsely confess guilt? What factors influence the credibility of a witness’s testimony? What can affect the psychology of the judge? Addressing these questions often requires the involvement of an expert witness, particularly a psychologist or psychiatrist.

How binding are the reports and testimonies of expert witnesses? Who is the appropriate specialist in each case, and what happens when experts disagree? What is the specific contribution of a psychologist or psychiatrist when testifying about a minor or vulnerable victim?

This book is addressed to judges, lawyers, and students. It aligns with modern international literature, promotes an interdisciplinary approach, and utilizes real cases in the form of exercises.