Assessment of victims’ legal perception and self-defense capacity in Forensic Medicine: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the associations between forensic evaluations of victims’ ability to perceive the legal meaning and consequences of the act, self-defense capacity, and statement credibility, and various sociodemographic and clinical factors in cases referred for medico-legal assessment. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 112 adult victims (≥18 years) who underwent forensic medical evaluation at the Karabük Branch of the Council of Forensic Medicine between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022. Sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education level, employment status, and living arrangement), clinical characteristics (psychiatric and neurological/physical disorders), and substance use histories were analyzed in relation to forensic opinions regarding perception capacity, self-defense ability, and statement credibility. Chi-square tests and Cramér’s V coefficient were used for statistical analysis. In 25.9% of cases, victims were assessed as unable to perceive the legal meaning and consequences of the act, and 38.5% were considered unable to defend themselves due to physical and/or psychological reasons. Strong associations were found between perception capacity and both self-defense ability and statement credibility (p<0.001). Lower educational level (V = 0.318, p=0.010), presence of psychiatric disorders (V = 0.315, p=0.011), and residence in state-run institutions (V = 0.315, p=0.011) were significantly associated with reduced perception capacity. Significant associations were also observed between crime type and both living arrangement (V = 0.316, p=0.013) and smoking status (V = 0.255, p=0.012). Victims’ perception capacity and vulnerability cannot be explained by a single factor and should be evaluated through an integrated consideration of clinical, sociodemographic, and contextual variables. A holistic, function-oriented forensic approach may enhance the objectivity and scientific basis of judicial decision-making.