Weinstock R, Leong G B, Silva J A
West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, CA 90073.
Bull Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 1992;20(2):197-210.
Bernard Diamond would testify only for the defense in criminal cases, but only if the whole psychiatric truth would be introduced during a trial and the facts of the case supported the defense position. Otherwise, he would refuse to participate. Although few other forensic psychiatrists have personal or professional ethical concerns regarding ever participating for the prosecution, many more have such problems in capital cases. Bernard Diamond's approach to forensic psychiatry should be considered at least as an option by those opposed to the death penalty. Bias in capital cases is not a persuasive reason to withdraw from involvement if the forensic psychiatrist remains honest.
伯纳德·戴蒙德只会在刑事案件中为辩方作证,但前提是在审判期间能呈现完整的精神病学真相,且案件事实支持辩方立场。否则,他会拒绝参与。虽然很少有其他法医精神病学家对为检方作证存在个人或职业伦理方面的顾虑,但在死刑案件中,更多人有这样的问题。那些反对死刑的人至少应将伯纳德·戴蒙德对待法医精神病学的方法视为一种选择。如果法医精神病学家保持诚实,死刑案件中的偏见并不是退出参与的有说服力的理由。