This post provides an overview of the role of conducting assessments for individuals facing legal sentencing proceedings. These assessments are aimed at evaluating the medical, psycho-social and mental state circumstances of accused persons at the time they allegedly committed criminal acts.
The purpose is to explain to the judge, in a pre-sentencing report, any factors that may have influenced the individual’s judgment and decision-making leading to the criminal activity.
Most of the individuals assessed have pleaded guilty. The report is intended to present potential mitigating circumstances, which can assist the judge in determining an appropriate sentence and rehabilitation plan. The assessment aims to provide context and understanding of the accused person’s mental state, which may be considered in the sentencing process.