The adversary system and the role of the psychiatrist in court is examined and the conclusion is drawn that a psychiatrist should not be a witness for either side. An alternative is suggested: that the psychiatrist should be hired by both parties in order to counteract the bias inherent in becoming an advocate for either side. Another alternative suggested is that the court appoint psychiatrists to testify as impartial witnesses. Finally, the use of psychiatric testimony in the Jack Ruby case is examined to show how the adversary system can destroy the value of psychiatrists' testimony.