This cross-national comparative study examined forensic psychiatric evaluation practices in Switzerland and Italy, focusing on criminal responsibility assessment, recidivism risk appraisal, expert methodologies, psychiatric care models, and professional training within each country's legal and institutional context.
Despite shared Roman legal roots, Italy and Switzerland diverge markedly: Italy uses a community-based psychiatric model while Switzerland relies on a hospital-centered system, and both countries differ in recidivism risk assessment approaches, expert evaluation methods, and forensic training — reflecting broader legal, cultural, and epistemological differences.
The study is a narrative comparative analysis without empirical data or quantitative outcomes, limiting causal or statistical conclusions. It covers only two jurisdictions, restricting generalizability to other legal systems.
Forensic psychiatrists working across borders or in international contexts should be aware of significant structural and methodological differences between Italian and Swiss systems when assessing criminal responsibility or recidivism risk. Efforts toward standardized international forensic psychiatric guidelines are warranted, particularly for expertise reports and risk assessment tools.
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