JUDICIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN ADDRESSING FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Abstract

Generally speaking, mental health issues have been a societal dilemma that has been lingering for decades, but largely ignored. Most importantly and equally embarrassing, the State of Florida has ranked 49th-50th out of the 50 states in the United States in per capita mental health funding by our legislature. Mental Illness is the predominant mental health issue in the United States. The very essence of mental illness is generally a very daunting problem that over the last two decades has evolved into a routine, reoccurring and challenging issue that criminal trial courts must address and focus upon with considerable detail and attention.