title: [Heterogeneity of expert psychiatric conclusions. Study of 101 authors of voluntary homicides].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Specify the prevalence of various mental pathologies observed in authors of voluntary homicides and assess the interest of the psychiatric expertise of these persons.
  
  
  METHODS
  The conclusions of the psychiatric expertises of 101 authors of voluntary homicide; condemned (94.20%) or declared irresponsible because of mental or personality disorders (5.80%), in the Court of Appeal of Bordeaux, over a period of 10 years (1989-1999) were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several elements were underlined, among which the multiplicity of the diagnoses made by the expert psychiatrists and the large proportion of these criminals suffering from mental pathologies (81.60%), which contrasted with the low percentage of such criminals declared irresponsible (5.80%) or suggesting they might be dangerous (7.80%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of a standardized classification of mental diseases would provide the members of the jury and the magistrates with a clearer picture of the mental status of criminals. This is essential to avoid that more than 80% of the latter are quoted as exhibiting a mental pathology when the experts present their conclusions.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine légale, CHU Rangueil, 1, avenue Jean Pouilhès, 31403 Toulouse. slim@worldonline.fr
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Trapé
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bénézech
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Delpla
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Telmon
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Costagliola
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rougé
mesh_terms: D005104:Expert Testimony; D006708:Homicide / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification*; D010554:Personality Disorders; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*