The Role of Psychiatry in Texas Death Penalty Cases

This chapter examines the evolving role of psychiatrists in Texas death penalty cases during the late 1960s and 1970s, highlighting their shift from competency evaluations to assessments of future dangerousness. It discusses the ethical implications and challenges surrounding biased evaluations, particularly by a controversial psychiatrist who influenced juries without proper assessments. The chapter also addresses the disparities within the legal system that affected defendants, shedding light on the broader implications for justice and mental health evaluations.