This study examines criminal cases related to blasphemy under the absolute monarchy of Denmark-Norway, and presents the evaluation of mental states within a forensic context between 1713 and 1733. First, the article explains how the legal framework and normative guidelines for pastoral care envisaged the interplay between judges, priests and doctors in evaluating mental states. Then, an examination of selected cases is provided, showing the dynamics and the role assignment in the evaluation of mental states in practice. Covering a period characterized by a gradual differentiation of theology, law and medicine, this case study enhances understanding of what preceded the development of psychiatry as a medical speciality during the nineteenth century.

Blasphemy has been a sin since the time of the Bible. Anti-blasphemy laws still exist in about a quarter of the world\'s countries and territories, the majority of which are Muslim. In Pakistan, blasphemy is punished by death. Frequently, crowds assassinate the accused before the matter even reaches the courtroom. Blasphemy charges are frequently leveled against people with mental conditions and religious minorities. In a blasphemy case, a psychiatric evaluation might inform the court of mental disorder symptoms. Psychiatrists can also assist asylum seekers who have been accused of blasphemy in Pakistan or another country that punishes it.

Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) are one of the top 10 contributors of debilitating medical illnesses and are the fourth most common psychiatric disorder. Blasphemous thoughts, also known as scrupulosity, as an obsessional theme has piqued curiosities long before it was considered a neurosis. Such obsessions may or may not have an accompanying compulsion and comprise 5% of the patients of OCD. The case series is of three patients suffering from repetitive, intrusive, ego-dystonic, and distressing blasphemous thoughts, which are extremely distressing to them, rendering them unable to perform any other activity. The symptoms also indicate the presence of comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders, developing secondary to the blasphemous thoughts. Inadequate knowledge in this subtype of OCD mandates the need for more studying and research, especially with new texts suggesting the implementation of faith-assisted psychotherapy in addition to the conventional psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

This article highlights troubling recent cases in Pakistan and Indonesia involving the preferring of the criminal charge of blasphemy. It gives particular scrutiny to the charges of blasphemy and blasphemous libel brought against Suzethe Margaret, a Catholic woman with schizophrenia in Indonesia in 2019. While it applauds the fact that in February 2020 she was acquitted by the Cibinong District Court, it expresses concern about the period of time she was held in detention without resolution of her circum stances and the risk that the decision could have been less legally rigorous. It utilises the case to reflect on the risks inherent in the subjectivity in the charge of blasphemy and the particular dangers when the accused person suffers from a mental illness that may either preclude their fitness to be tried or raise the potential for them to be not guilty by reason of mental impairment/insanity.