Abstract

Forensic risk assessments play a critical role in predicting future violence, informing decisions in criminal justice systems such as sentencing, parole, and treatment planning. A key component of these assessments is the evaluation of an individual's mental health. Mental health conditions, particularly personality disorders, psychosis, and substance use disorders, are often associated with increased risk for violent behavior. This article explores the role of mental health in forensic risk assessments, reviewing the complex interplay between mental health diagnoses, historical risk factors, and situational triggers. Additionally, it examines the tools commonly used in forensic settings, such as structured risk assessment instruments, to assess the likelihood of future violence. Ethical considerations, including the potential for stigmatization and overreliance on mental health diagnoses in predicting violence, are also addressed. Understanding the nuanced role of mental health is crucial in improving the accuracy of forensic risk assessments and promoting fair, evidence-based decision-making in legal contexts.