Forensic Suicidology and the Psychological Autopsy (IN: Suicidology: Essays in Honor of Edwin S. Shneidman, edited by A A Leenaars)

This chapter looks at issues involved in having the psychological autopsy being brought into the courtroom. The authors review the union between suicidology and the law, which typically involves two types of cases, those of parens patrieae, and those of contested life insurance claims. With respect to the psychological autopsy the authors conclude, rather than ascertaining any cause-effect relationship, it can only illuminate. (13 refs.)