NCJ Number
104244
Date Published
1984
Length
247 pages
Annotation
Based on tbe author's court experiences, this book presents step-by-step procedures for preparing each component of a comprehensive psychological examination.
Abstract
Issues discussed include competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, personal injury, civil commitment, the right to refuse treatment, and prediction of dangerousness. A discussion of the insanity defense addresses its history, criticism of it, and proposals for its reform or abolition. After explaining methods for evaluating a traumatic neurosis, the book provides guidelines for accepting such cases. The discussion also covers the debate over whether or not mental health professionals have anything to contribute to legal matters. Criteria help mental health professionals evaluate their expertise and identify the areas where they can contribute to the legal system. Guidance is provided for legal counsel in preparing trial strategies, using expert witnesses, and conducting direct and cross examinations of expert witnesses. Other issues considered are how to avoid distortions by competing parties in a child custody case and how to detect malingering, a dimension of forensic evaluation often overlooked. Appended case histories pertain to criminal responsibility, personal injury, child custody, and followup evaluation. 10 suggested readings and subject and case indexes. (Publisher abstract modified)