10 March 2026
The Presumption of Innocence - Episode 80
Legal Listening: The Fox Rothschild LLP Podcast
About
Episode 80
Method, Not Madness: How Forensic Psychiatrists Help Criminal Defense
Few areas of criminal law are as complex — or as consequential — as the intersection of mental illness and criminal responsibility.
Host Matt Adams welcomes forensic psychiatrist Dr. Steven Simring for a deep dive into how psychiatric evaluations can influence charging decisions, trial proceedings and sentencing.
Drawing on decades of forensic work, Dr. Simring explains the disciplined, methodical process forensic psychiatrists use to assess a defendant’s mental state at the time of an alleged offense and evaluate present-day competency.
The episode also pulls back the curtain on the forensic evaluation process, including the evidence psychiatrists review and the careful analysis required to distinguish genuine illness from malingering.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Method, Not Madness: How Forensic Psychiatrists Help Criminal Defense
Few areas of criminal law are as complex — or as consequential — as the intersection of mental illness and criminal responsibility.
Host Matt Adams welcomes forensic psychiatrist Dr. Steven Simring for a deep dive into how psychiatric evaluations can influence charging decisions, trial proceedings and sentencing.
Drawing on decades of forensic work, Dr. Simring explains the disciplined, methodical process forensic psychiatrists use to assess a defendant’s mental state at the time of an alleged offense and evaluate present-day competency.
The episode also pulls back the curtain on the forensic evaluation process, including the evidence psychiatrists review and the careful analysis required to distinguish genuine illness from malingering.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.