Current views of solicitors on psychiatric court reports

Abstract

This survey evaluates current views of non-medical professionals on the style of court report writing. A random sample of 120 solicitors who worked in the criminal field in London participated in this survey. The usable return was 72%. Up to 76% favoured changes in standards of report writing because of problems concerning clarity of style and use of jargon. The majority objected to reports being prepared by non-consultant psychiatrists.