The Mind of a Killer. How the Brain Works of Those Who Commit Crimes

Forensic psychiatrists are a small group of doctors whose main task is to determine the motives of a person in custody and to establish why a crime was committed. Working in this field requires strong nerves, a good stomach, an understanding of legal and psychiatric language, as well as the ability to look into the abyss and not flinch when seeing a true monster at its depths.

To understand what kind of person is sitting before them, a forensic psychiatrist usually asks various questions: about family, work, or new interests. 

- Why do people kill? 
- Where should a person in custody be placed: in a psychiatric hospital or in prison? 
- Is he insane or guilty? 
- What was he like before committing the crime?
- If he is ill, is there a chance of recovery?

Richard Taylor describes how forensic psychiatric examinations and assessments of people who have committed serious crimes and are preparing to be released are conducted. His book is a collection of cases from his practice, among which are notorious cases, and reflections on the nature of the human psyche.