Abstract. The authors, as experts, share their views on the mental state forensic assessment (MSFA). The main components of the forensic expert’s professional role, as a type of social role, are presented – social benefit, competence, and skills. A parallel is drawn between the usual professional manifestations of psychiatrists and psychologists and the differences with their roles as forensic experts. The regulatory framework of the forensic assessment and the rights, duties and the requirements for the expert witness are commented upon. Circumstances that hinder the inclusion of a specific specialist as forensic expert are discussed. A model structure of forensic assessment is presented, emphasizing the specific characteristics of the MSFA. Special attention is given to the peculiarities of the forensic examination in the MSFA. A working style for preparing MSFA is proposed, involving raising hypotheses that can be confirmed or rejected after analyzing the data from the case and the results of the examination.  

Key words: forensic assessment of the mental state, patient’s rights, guarantees for society, dual role of the expert, social role

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