Forensic Reports and Testimony A Guide to Effective Communication for Psychologists and Psychiatrists

Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists are increasingly asked to provide expertise to courts and attorneys in the criminal justice system in both criminal and civil proceedings. The quality of the presentations they provide, in written reports and oral testimony, is as critical to their effectiveness as is their ability to choose and administer the assessments and examinations they are hired to conduct. Written by experts in the various topics psychologists report on for the courts, this book uniquely prepares forensic psychologists and forensic psychologists-in-training to produce successful reports and deliver useful testimony in legal settings.

RANDY K. OTTO, PHD, ABPP, Associate Professor, Department of Mental Health Law & Policy at the University of South is board certified in forensic psychology and clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. He has served as President of the American Board of Professional Psychology, the American Psychology-Law Society, the American Board of Forensic Psychology, and the American Academy of Forensic Psychology.

RICHART L. DEMIER, PHD, ABPP, is board certified in forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is retired from the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners, where he conducted forensic evaluations and served as Director of Clinical Training for the facility’s internship and postdoctoral fellowship programs. He is currently the Director of Clinical Training at the School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute, in Springfield, Missouri.

MARCUS T. BOCCACCINI, PHD, Professor, Department of Psychology and Philosophy at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas has published more than 75 articles relating to the intersection of psychology and the legal system. His research focuses on agreement among expert witnesses and field research in forensic psychology.

Foreword Thomas Grisso, ph.d. vii

Preface xi

About the authors xv

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Chapter 2 Functions of Forensic Reports 9

Chapter 3 Content of Forensic Reports 17

Chapter 4 Principles of Forensic Reports 34

Chapter 5 Structure of Forensic Reports 54

Chapter 6 Interrogatories, Affidavits, Declarations, Demonstrative Exhibits, and Demonstrative Aids 91

Chapter 7 Conceptual Issues Regarding Testimony 97

Chapter 8 Testifying at Depositions 118

Chapter 9 Testifying in Admissibility Hearings 129

Chapter 10 Pretrial Preparation 137

Chapter 11 Direct Examination 151

Chapter 12 Cross-Examination 171

Appendix A Sample Reports 223

Appendix B Sample Affidavits and Declaration 315

References 341

Author index 355

Subject index 361