Insanity defense and social dangerousness: A comparative study between China and Italy

Abstract

The determination of criminal responsibility and the evaluation of social dangerousness in the criminal proceedings of offenders with mental disorders are crucial and complex issues. Forensic psychiatric evaluation practices and regulations vary significantly across jurisdictions, offering comparative analysis opportunities. This paper compares the forensic psychiatric evaluation processes in China and Italy, emphatically examining and analyzing the assessment of criminal responsibility and social dangerousness. The shared language, the potential for harmonizing forensic psychiatry practices, and the pursuit of unified and transparent standards and practices underscore the importance of conducting cross-national comparative research.