This site is written and maintained by Dr Nicholas Taylor, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist. Its purpose is to give an accurate account of the psychiatric defences in England and Wales – insanity, automatism and diminished responsibility – and of the expert evidence they require.
The author
- Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist; Medical Director, Forensic Psychiatry Experts
- MB ChB, University of Bristol
- Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (FRCPsych)
- LLM in Legal Aspects of Medical Practice, Cardiff University
- Approved under section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983
Dr Taylor has acted as an expert witness since 2004, with extensive Crown Court experience including homicide, diminished responsibility, insanity, capacity to form intent and contested fitness to plead hearings. He was Clinical Director at Arnold Lodge, an NHS secure hospital in Leicester, from 2020 to 2023, and is now in private clinical practice alongside his expert witness work. He also writes pritchardcriteria.uk, on the legal test for fitness to plead. More about him is at drnicholastaylor.me.
Who the site is for
It is written for practitioners who need precision: the barrister preparing a defence, the solicitor deciding whether to seek a psychiatric report, the expert refining their approach, and the student or researcher who wants the law set out rigorously.
The practice
Instructions are handled by Forensic Psychiatry Experts, Lion Court, Melbourne Road, Staunton Harold, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1RT. How to make an enquiry is on the Contact page.
Disclaimer
This site provides general information about the law and is not legal advice. The law in this area is complex and fact-sensitive, and the case summaries are selective. Anyone facing or involved in criminal proceedings should obtain advice tailored to their circumstances from a qualified lawyer and, where appropriate, a suitably qualified expert.