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Lehrbuch der gerichtlichen Psychopathologie mit Berücksichtigung der Gesetzgebung von Österreich, Deutschland und Frankreich (English: Textbook of Forensic Psychopathology: Considering the Legislation of Austria, Germany, and France) is a book written by Richard von Krafft-Ebing in 1875 with subsequent revisions in 1881 and 1892. The book examines the intersection of mental illness and criminal behavior and thereby provides a framework for understanding and assessing the psychological conditions of offenders within a legal context.[1]
Contexts
editUntil the Second World War the field of forensic psychology, where the psychological motives behind criminal acts were examined and their impact on legal responsibility was assessed, saw little development due to competition among various disciplines, including law, psychology, psychiatry, and pedagogy.[2] In the late 19th century forensic psychopathology was still in its infancy. The dicipline emerged in Europe in response to reforms in criminal procedure and research on suggestion both of which raised concerns about the reliability of witness testimony.[3]
Krafft-Ebing studied medicine in Germany and held various academic and clinical positions until he was eventually appointed professor of psychiatry. His work in asylums and courts exposed him to the intersection of mental illness and criminal behavior.[4] Kraft-Ebing made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry and especially forensic psychopathology through numerous publications. A part of his research was dedicated to examine the relationships between psychiatry and criminal law. One of his earliest major works was The Textbook of Forensic Psychopathology. Prior to that, he wrote Fundamentals of Criminal Psychology which layed the groundwork for his future research and influence.[5]
Contents
editThe book is broadly divided into two main sections. The first, titled "Book 1", addresses the relationship between psychiatry and criminal law while the second, titled "Book 2", focuses on psychiatry's connection to civil law. Each of these sections is further divided into two parts. In both sections, "Part A" provides general and formal information to establish a foundation, while "Part B" delves into specific clinical issues.[6]
In Part A of book 1 the author starts by clarifying some principles and adressing issues like free will, criminal responsibility and the importance of medical certification of mental illness.[7] In Part B of Book 1 the author looks at specific clinical issues and discusses how various mental disorders intersect with criminal law and how psychiatric assessments can inform legal decisions in court. He also describes cases that, while not classified as mental disorders, involve individuals who cannot be held accountable for their actions. This includes, for example, situations where the offender is too young to fully understand the consequences of their actions.[8] Part A of Book 2 focuses on the general principles of civil law as they relate to psychiatry. It addresses the legal implications of mental illness in civil cases, including issues of capacity, guardianship, and the ability to make legal decisions. The section gives a foundational understanding of how psychiatric evaluations are applied within the context of civil law.[9] After that in Part B of Book 2 the author focuses on specific clinical issues and how they relate to civil law. The section looks at various mental conditions that can affect a person's legal capacity such as their ability to manage their affairs, enter into contracts, or make decisions about their property. The section also focuses on the role of psychiatric evaluations in determining a person's legal competence and the implications of these assessments in civil legal proceedings.[10]
Throughout the book Kraft-Ebbing also includes observations that underscore and highlight the topics discussed in each section. These practical examples and case studies show the application of psychiatric principles in legal contexts and offer to the readers a clearer understanding of how theoretical concepts are applied in practice.[11]
Receptions
editThe Textbook of Forensic Psychopathology was widely embraced and became a standard textbook across Germany.[12] Along with other works by the author like Fundamentals of criminal psychology and The clinical basis of psychiatry it became one of the most influential textbooks in Germany of the late nineteenth century.[13]
Initially, the book helped establish the importance of understanding the mental state of criminals within the legal system.The publication of the book led to a shift of focus of medicine and law from the crime itself to the person commiting the crime which. The author thereby also accomplished to position the psychiatric experst alongside the judge in the courtroom.[14] Over time, this field has expanded with advancements in psychological assessment techniques, neuropsychology, and a deeper understanding of mental disorders. Forensic psychology in the 21st century involves using psychology to understand and work on every part of the criminal justice system.[15]
Despite its significance the Textbook of Forensic Psychopathology was not the author’s most influential work. That belongs to a later publication of his, namely Psychopathia Sexualis in which Richard von Krafft-Ebing proposed viewing homosexuality as a medical condition and thereby advocating for its decriminalization.[16] This book went through twelve revisions.
References
edit- ^ Krafft-Ebing, Richard von (1840-1902) Auteur du texte (1881). Lehrbuch der gerichtlichen Psychopathologie : mit Berücksichtigung der Gesetzgebung von Oesterreich, Deutschland und Frankreich (2te Auflage) / von Dr. R. von Krafft-Ebing,...
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: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Wolffram, Heather (2020-01-30), "Forensic Psychology in Historical Perspective", Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology, doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.001.0001/acrefore-9780190236557-e-639?d=/10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.001.0001/acrefore-9780190236557-e-639&p=emailagnho7neym3yk, ISBN 978-0-19-023655-7, retrieved 2024-08-31
- ^ Wolffram, Heather (2020-01-30), "Forensic Psychology in Historical Perspective", Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology, doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.001.0001/acrefore-9780190236557-e-639#:~:text=founded%20principally%20in%20europe%20during,of%20all%20those%20involved%20in, ISBN 978-0-19-023655-7, retrieved 2024-08-18
- ^ "Richard von Krafft-Ebing. A short Biography". CHMC Psychologist and Psychiatrist in Dubai. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
- ^ "Richard von Krafft-Ebing. A short Biography". CHMC Psychologist and Psychiatrist in Dubai. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ Krafft-Ebing, Richard von (1892). Lehrbuch der gerichtlichen Psychopathologie: mit Berücksichtigung der Gesetzgebung von Österreich, Deutschland und Frankreich (in German). Enke.
- ^ Krafft-Ebing, Richard von (1892). Lehrbuch der gerichtlichen Psychopathologie: mit Berücksichtigung der Gesetzgebung von Österreich, Deutschland und Frankreich (in German). Enke.
- ^ Krafft-Ebing, Richard von (1892). Lehrbuch der gerichtlichen Psychopathologie: mit Berücksichtigung der Gesetzgebung von Österreich, Deutschland und Frankreich (in German). Enke.
- ^ Krafft-Ebing, Richard von (1892). Lehrbuch der gerichtlichen Psychopathologie: mit Berücksichtigung der Gesetzgebung von Österreich, Deutschland und Frankreich (in German). Enke.
- ^ Krafft-Ebing, Richard von (1892). Lehrbuch der gerichtlichen Psychopathologie: mit Berücksichtigung der Gesetzgebung von Österreich, Deutschland und Frankreich (in German). Enke.
- ^ Krafft-Ebing, Richard (1892). Lehrbuch der gerichtlichen psychopathologie mit berücksichtigung der gesetzgebung von Österreich, Deutschland und Frankreich (in German). F. Enke.
- ^ Triarhou, Lazaros C. (2022), Triarhou, Lazaros C. (ed.), "Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840–1902)", The Brain Masters of Vienna: Psychology and Neuroscience Pioneers around the Secession up to the Anschluss, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 245–248, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-13052-6_47, ISBN 978-3-031-13052-6, retrieved 2024-08-31
- ^ Triarhou, Lazaros C. (2022), Triarhou, Lazaros C. (ed.), "Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840–1902)", The Brain Masters of Vienna: Psychology and Neuroscience Pioneers around the Secession up to the Anschluss, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 245–248, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-13052-6_47, ISBN 978-3-031-13052-6, retrieved 2024-08-21
- ^ Sigusch, V. (2004-01-01). "Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840–1902)". Der Nervenarzt (in German). 75 (1): 92–96. doi:10.1007/s00115-003-1512-7. ISSN 1433-0407.
- ^ Wolffram, Heather (2020-01-30), "Forensic Psychology in Historical Perspective", Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology, doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.001.0001/acrefore-9780190236557-e-639?d=/10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.001.0001/acrefore-9780190236557-e-639&p=emailagnho7neym3yk, ISBN 978-0-19-023655-7, retrieved 2024-08-31
- ^ "Krafft-Ebing, Professor Richard Freiherr von". Wellcome Collection. Retrieved 2024-08-23.