The expert witness psychiatrist’s assessment can influence the legal outcomes in significant ways. If the psychiatrist finds that the defendant is unfit to plead, the court may decide to delay the trial or refer the defendant to treatment, ensuring they are given a fair opportunity to recover before standing trial. In other cases, the psychiatrist may conclude that, despite mental health challenges, the defendant can still meaningfully engage in the process, allowing the trial to move forward. Either way, the psychiatrist’s input ensures that justice is served in a manner that accounts for the defendant’s mental capacity.