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Biomedical subjects

Moshe Kalian

Publications and source records attributed to Moshe Kalian.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

A comparison of firearms--related legislation on four continents.

Firearms are produced in great quantities. Their use is universal, widespread and often lethal. The control and supervisory systems of these weapons differ from country to country and are an expression of specific attitudes and cultural trends of each society on the subjects of individual rights, violence and the meaning of firearm possession. This paper presents a comparative study of firearm use legislation of four different countries in four different areas of the world (Sweden, United States, Japan and Israel). Particular attention will be paid to the traditions and cultural characteristics underlying the differences in legislative approach.

Cross-Cultural Comparison↗
PubMed2003

Political assassins--the psychiatric perspective and beyond.

Three cases of highly publicized political assassinations, which occurred during the twentieth century, are described. In two of them (Tsafendas and Amir) a head of a state was assassinated. In both cases the second author (A.Z.) was involved in the psychiatric evaluation of the perpetrator. A third case, in which a head of state was badly wounded (Hinckley) is referred due to its overwhelming impact on public opinion and legislation. Few similarities are found between the perpetrators, who came from different cultures and acted in different eras. The psychiatric examination had a crucial role in the outcome of their trial. In spite of different milieus the forensic psychiatrist found himself amidst a highly charged event. There is no single common denominator characterizing the psychopathology of the political assassin. It is suggested that there is a spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses ranging from the psychotic perpetrator who targets the victim due to his intrapsychic delusional world, to the "sane" fanatic who chooses to commit an extreme act of violence in the service of a political goal. The criminal act, as well as the trial and the verdict bring in its wake a huge emotional public response. Consequently, theories of conspiracy as well as legislation initiatives are raised. The forensic psychiatrist should adhere to the sphere of his expertise, and it is for the court to decide upon the issues of responsibility and fitness to stand trial.

Forensic Psychiatry↗