Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals referred for criminal responsibility (CR) assessment, to determine the factors affecting CR, and to discuss the findings in light of the existing literature. Forensic reports of adult cases (n=360) evaluated between 01.01.2018 and 31.12.2022 at Karabük Forensic Medicine Branch Directorate were retrospectively reviewed. After applying exclusion criteria, 301 cases were included, corresponding to 434 criminal acts. Sociodemographic variables, psychiatric diagnoses, psychiatric service admissions, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, and substance use history were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of CR. Of the 434 offenses, 78.8% were judged to have full CR, while 21.2% were considered to have diminished or no responsibility. Male predominance was notable (84.4%), with a mean age of 35.9 years. Logistic regression showed that psychiatric disorders, absence of substance use, and living with parents were the strongest predictors of CR assessment (Nagelkerke R²=0.796, overall accuracy=94.9%). Psychiatric diagnoses, intellectual disability, substance use, and social functioning factors are crucial determinants in CR assessments. The findings underline the necessity of a multidimensional medico-legal approach that incorporates psychiatric history, functional capacity, and contextual variables, rather than relying solely on diagnoses.

Key words: Forensic psychiatry, criminal responsibility, mental disorders, psychopathology