On the issue of a mandatory forensic comprehensive psychological and psychiatric examination of capacity: pro arguments

The article again addresses the issue of forensic examinations of incapacity or limited capacity due to the mental disorder in the Code of Civil Procedure of the Russian Federation. The article critically discusses the common objections to establishing a mandatory appointment for a comprehensive forensic psychological and psychiatric examination in this category of cases. The author observes how this proposed requirement is connected with earlier legislation updates. The new rule logically follows from the need to consider, in according to law, a person’s ability for decision making and social communication. Currently, a comprehensive forensic psychological and psychiatric examination is appointed too rarely in these cases, which leads to the insufficient comprehension of these significant factors by the courts. Organizational and technical hurdles, which are considered to be main arguments against the discussed rule, shouldn’t prevent the long overdue legislation innovations. Statistical data presented by the opponents relates to different categories of cases and, therefore, cannot be a basis for the conclusions about the issue discussed.

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