Volume 19, Issue 60 (4-2025)
MLJ 2025, 19(60): 828-846 |
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Gholami N, Soltani Kouhbanani S. Content Analysis of Judicial Rulings Issued by
Courts in the Field of Mental Disorders. MLJ 2025; 19 (60) :828-846
URL: http://ijmedicallaw.ir/article-1-1875-en.html
URL: http://ijmedicallaw.ir/article-1-1875-en.html
1- Department of of Philosophy, Religion and Law, UNESCO Chair and Research Center for Human Rights, Peace and Democracy, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
2- Department of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract:
Background and Aim: Providing various definitions and classifications of mental disorders has multiple scientific and practical implications. Understanding that a scientific approach to psychological concepts in the legal domain can have significant practical consequences, the present study aims to examine the attitudes of judicial authorities toward mental disorders.
Method: This study employed a content analysis method, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, to examine court rulings from various levels (including trial courts, appellate courts and the Supreme Court). The statistical population consisted of all court rulings, while the study sample included rulings directly related to mental disorders and psychological concepts.
Ethical Considerations: The study adhered to ethical principles, including honesty, respect for legal rights, confidentiality and the protection of intellectual and material property.
Results: The results indicate that judicial authorities generally lack a complete and precise understanding of psychological concepts, exhibit both extreme and lenient attitudes toward mental disorders and hold diverse (and sometimes non-scientific) perspectives regarding the scope and boundaries of these disorders.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that judicial attitudes toward mental disorders are varied and predominantly non-scientific, often involving over- or under-interpretation of psychological concepts. Such attitudes may either broaden or limit the protection of the rights of affected individuals. Accordingly, it is recommended that mechanisms be established to ensure a more scientific and consistent approach in legal proceedings.
Please cite this article as:
Gholami N, Soltani Kouhbanani S.Content Analysis of Judicial Rulings Issued by Courts in the Field of Mental Disorders. Medical Law Journal. 2025; 19: e55.
Method: This study employed a content analysis method, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, to examine court rulings from various levels (including trial courts, appellate courts and the Supreme Court). The statistical population consisted of all court rulings, while the study sample included rulings directly related to mental disorders and psychological concepts.
Ethical Considerations: The study adhered to ethical principles, including honesty, respect for legal rights, confidentiality and the protection of intellectual and material property.
Results: The results indicate that judicial authorities generally lack a complete and precise understanding of psychological concepts, exhibit both extreme and lenient attitudes toward mental disorders and hold diverse (and sometimes non-scientific) perspectives regarding the scope and boundaries of these disorders.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that judicial attitudes toward mental disorders are varied and predominantly non-scientific, often involving over- or under-interpretation of psychological concepts. Such attitudes may either broaden or limit the protection of the rights of affected individuals. Accordingly, it is recommended that mechanisms be established to ensure a more scientific and consistent approach in legal proceedings.
Please cite this article as:
Gholami N, Soltani Kouhbanani S.Content Analysis of Judicial Rulings Issued by Courts in the Field of Mental Disorders. Medical Law Journal. 2025; 19: e55.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Received: 2024/07/6 | Accepted: 2024/11/12
Received: 2024/07/6 | Accepted: 2024/11/12
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