SERVICES

Psycho-legal work

What is Forensic Psycho-Legal Psychology?

Forensic psycho-legal psychology is the application of psychological processes within a legal framework for the benefit of the defendant or other parties involved.

Psycho-legal assessments are conducted for:

  • Claims related to injury
  • Medical negligence
  • Road Accident Fund/third party claims

What does psycho-legal work involve?

Psycho-legal assessments are completed, and the reports are used during legal proceedings. As an expert psychologist, Nalinee Rughoo has a duty to provide forensic reports and psycho-legal assessments to alert the Court concerning judiciary matters. In addition, part of her services includes drawing up medico-legal reports for claims and submissions.

Services extend to:

  • Ability to formulate forensic assessments when psychological and mental health issues are related to legal proceedings. These assessments are requested by either party or the defendants involved in civil proceedings. Forensic assessments are critical when comprehending a person’s psychological or mental health diagnosis within a legal context. The warrant of forensic assessments is necessary for the state of the defendant's mental health, which is a factor that influences their capability of standing trial or forms part of the consideration of sentencing (criminal capacity). Forensic assessments work in conjunction with victim impact assessments. In contrast, these reports inform the Court as to the Complainant's psychological state, particularly in the case of trauma when the victim was subject to sexual abuse or assault. In addition, Act 75 of 2008 of the Child Justice Act applies when the child endures physical, psychological and social trauma.
  • Pre-sentencing reports assist the judge in making informed decisions concerning sentencing. In addition, these reports contain crucial information on the mental capacity of the offender.
  • Bail reports assist in the decision-making process concerning the approval of bail applications. However, in the event the accused does not show up at the court case or does not adhere to bail conditions, they must forfeit their bail.

How do we conduct a psycho-legal assessment?

We conduct a clinical interview with our client, including a close relative, friend or colleague. The first interview can last up to two hours, after which we carry out a second session whereby we form hypotheses based on a psychometric assessment. The last stage is a final interview with the client to discuss any discrepancies found during the psychometric assessment. Finally, we draw up our conclusions through a psycho-legal report delivered directly to the legal representative.

FAQ

1How do you schedule a psycho-legal assessment?
Usually, a legal representative refers you for a psycho-legal assessment. Your legal representative corresponds via telephone or email with clinicians carrying out the assessment by providing a detailed summary of the case as well as additional areas requiring psycho-legal evaluation. Your psychologist provides an estimated quote based on the aim of the psycho-legal evaluation.
2What is the cost of a psycho-legal assessment?
Our psycho-legal assessments are charged per hour on an hourly basis. The costs involved include interviews with the client, collateral reviews, report writing, travelling expenses and court appearances.
3Does medical aid cover psycho-legal assessments?
No, medical aid can only compensate for therapy. In this case, the legal representative pays the psychologist for her services.