American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology ABPN Forensic Psychiatry and Ethics

Question 1

Under the M'Naghten standard used in many US states, a defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) when they demonstrate which of the following?

Accepted Answer

They did not know the nature of the act or did not know it was wrong due to mental disease

Answer

They could not control their behavior due to irresistible impulse

Answer

They had a severe mental illness at time of the crime

Answer

They acted under the influence of a substance

Question 2

Which legal standard is used to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Dusky standard

Answer

M'Naghten rule

Answer

ALI/MPC standard

Answer

Durham rule

Question 3

A forensic psychiatrist is asked to evaluate a criminal defendant's mental state at the time of the offense. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this evaluation?

Accepted Answer

To assess criminal responsibility (sanity) for legal proceedings

Answer

To provide treatment recommendations for the defendant

Answer

To determine whether the defendant is dangerous

Answer

To evaluate competency to stand trial

Question 4

In the Tarasoff case, what CRITICAL duty was established for mental health clinicians in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Duty to warn/protect identifiable third parties from patient violence

Answer

Duty to report child abuse to authorities

Answer

Duty to hospitalize imminently suicidal patients

Answer

Duty to obtain informed consent before treatment

Question 5

A psychiatrist believes a patient with schizophrenia who refuses medication lacks capacity to make treatment decisions. What legal mechanism is used in the US to authorize involuntary treatment?

Accepted Answer

Guardianship or substitute decision-maker appointment

Answer

Habeas corpus petition

Answer

Tarasoff duty to protect

Answer

Direct physician override without legal process

Question 6

What is the primary distinction between a civil commitment and a criminal forensic hold?

Accepted Answer

Civil commitment is for mental illness with danger to self/others; forensic hold is legally tied to the criminal justice system

Answer

Civil commitment requires a crime; forensic hold does not

Answer

Civil commitment is voluntary; forensic hold is involuntary

Answer

Civil commitment lasts indefinitely; forensic hold lasts 72 hours