This text has been generally updated and there are over 20 new sections, including a section on false confessions, multiple homocides, the sexual abuse of children, Munchausen's syndrome by proxy, the role of serotonin in violent behaviour and the value of the reconviction prediction score. The book has also been expanded to include a chapter on civil courts and forensic psychiatry. It covers those aspects of forensic psychiatry which are required for the membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' examination. The book sets out the salient points and outlines the law dealing with mentally disturbed offenders. It discusses the problems of forensic psychiatry from the physician's point of view.