[Heterogeneity of expert psychiatric conclusions. Study of 101 authors of voluntary homicides].
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.
Trapé
F
F
Service de médecine légale, CHU Rangueil, 1, avenue Jean Pouilhès, 31403 Toulouse. slim@worldonline.fr
Bénézech
M
M
Delpla
P A
PA
Telmon
N
N
Costagliola
R
R
Rougé
D
D
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*