The psychiatrist as expert witness. Part 2: criminal cases and the Royal College of Psychiatrists' guidance

Psychiatrists reporting in criminal cases in England and Wales are now governed by the Criminal Procedure Rules on expert evidence and these will require changes to the format and content of psychiatrists' reports in criminal proceedings. This article sets out the new rules and also draws attention to additional requirements made by the Court of Appeal and, when instructed by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service, by the Crown Prosecution Service. It also draws attention to the report of the Scoping Group on Court Work of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.