[Medico-legal assessment of the ability to undergo imprisonment: a retrospective analysis of larger numbers of cases from Hamburg].

The medico-legal assessment and preparation of expert opinions on the ability to undergo imprisonment is an important part of the administration of justice. However, statistical data or reports on such examinations are rare. The article therefore presents an analysis of data from the Medico-Legal Service ("Gerichtsärztlicher Dienst") of the City of Hamburg covering the period from 1975 to 2011. Based on a previous study from the early 1970s, the development of such assessment activities and their results were analysed in detail with the help of relevant statistical data. Conclusions can be drawn as to the need for general medical knowledge of experts giving opinions in the field of clinical forensic medicine.