Seraf is a 23-year old who recently graduated from college and began working for a small design company. Seraf faces a string of charges following a 20-hour stand-off with police at his workplace. One morning Seraf became convinced that his manager was surveilling his movements for the RCMP. A colleague observed Seraf become increasingly agitated while sitting at his desk and overheard him speaking aloud incoherently. The colleague approached Seraf, who stood up suddenly and pushed him back forcefully, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head. Seraf shouted "they can't pin this on me" and "what do you want?". Seraf's colleagues phoned the police and he was arrested without further incident and charged with assault. In the months leading up to these events, Seraf's family described changes to his personality and mood. They noticed that he had become increasingly withdrawn and irritable. He argued often and seemed paranoid. He accused his brother of hiding his belongings. He lost weight and rarely socialized with others. Seraf's parents became worried and brought him to see his family doctor where Seraf described feeling depressed and anxious. He indicated that his mind often felt like it was racing and that he sometimes had a strong feeling that something terrible might happen. He was prescribed medication for anxiety but did not fill the prescription. In the days leading up to the index charges, Seraf went to his local emergency room. Triage notes from the visit indicated that Seraf told the admitting nurse he wanted a doctor to check for possible recording device implants in his hands, and that he appeared confused and agitated. However, he left before being assessed. Seraf's manager had also noticed a decline in his work quality and productivity in recent months, along with frequent absences. Prior to this time period Seraf's family and colleagues described him as a quiet, kind, and helpful person. He enjoyed spending time with friends and was a very talented graphics artist. Everyone involved cares for Seraf and wants to help ensure that he receives appropriate support. During Seraf's first hearing in court he was unwilling to speak and wrote a note to the judge indicating that he was being framed and that their movements were being recorded by the government. Seraf also fired his lawyer in writing on a napkin. He subsequently refused to attend any further court hearings. Questions for Discussion: Do you think an assessment is warranted for Seraf? If so, what kind? Do you think the legal standards of either fitness to stand trial and/or not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder could apply in this case? In the event the assessment was ordered, what evaluation approach should a clinical forensic psychologist undertake in order to provide their opinion for the court? What concerns do you have about Seraf's behaviour