NCJ Number
104484
Date Published
1986
Length
485 pages
Annotation
This text for attorneys provides basic knowledge in the fields of psychiatry and psychology, considers what types of psychological and psychiatric evidence and testimony ought or ought not be admitted in evidence, and reviews relevant evidentiary rules and laws.
Abstract
Part 1 explains, in understandable language, the basic assumptions and structures of these two disciplines. It covers theories of mental illness, diagnosis and treatment, the education and licensing of psychiatrists and psychologists, and resources for researching the professional literature. Part 2 offers general considerations in the use of psychological and psychiatric evidence, including requirements for the presentation of expert evidence, qualification of the expert, form and mode of presentation, and limitations of such evidence. Part 3 examines the use of psychological and psychiatric evidence in particular applications such as pretrial and criminal trial proceedings, legal issues involving children, personal injury litigation, competence, and civil commitment. Nontestimonial uses of psychiatric and psychological evidence also are described in case preparation and review, and jury selection. Chapter footnotes, suggested readings, and case law, and WESTLAW search references. Subject index and tables of cases, statutes, and rules and regulations.