Translation guide
A medical doctor specializing in the intersection of mental health and the law, often evaluating defendants, providing expert testimony, or treating offenders.
Referring to a psychiatrist who works in legal contexts, such as evaluating criminal defendants or providing expert testimony.
Standard term for a forensic psychiatrist, literally 'courtroom psychiatrist'. Used in formal and professional contexts.
彼は法廷精神科医として裁判で証言した。
He testified in court as a forensic psychiatrist.
Referring to the specialty or field of forensic psychiatry itself.
The field of forensic psychiatry. Use when talking about the discipline rather than an individual practitioner.
彼女は法廷精神医学を専門としている。
She specializes in forensic psychiatry.
Both are used for 'forensic psychiatrist'. 法廷 (courtroom) emphasizes the courtroom role, while 司法 (judicial) is broader and more formal. In practice, they are often interchangeable, but 法廷精神科医 is slightly more common in media.
When introducing yourself or someone else as a forensic psychiatrist, you can simply say 「精神科医です。法廷精神医学を専門としています。」 (I'm a psychiatrist. I specialize in forensic psychiatry.) This sounds natural and avoids overly technical jargon.
Alternative term emphasizing the judicial/legal aspect. Slightly more formal or academic.
司法精神科医は被告人の精神鑑定を行った。
The forensic psychiatrist conducted a psychiatric evaluation of the defendant.
Literally 'criminal psychiatrist'. May be used in some contexts but can sound sensational or less precise. Use with caution.
Can imply a focus on criminals rather than the broader legal role. 法廷精神科医 or 司法精神科医 are preferred.
犯罪精神科医は犯人の心理を分析する。
A criminal psychiatrist analyzes the psychology of offenders.
Alternative term for the field, often used in academic or institutional names.
司法精神医学の分野は近年注目を集めている。
The field of forensic psychiatry has been attracting attention in recent years.