NCJ Number
125096
Date Published
1988
Length
890 pages
Annotation
This book provides guidance to attorneys for objecting to expert psychiatric and psychological testimony.
Abstract
Techniques are included for utilizing the scientific literature in the expert's field to defeat the admission of the expert's testimony. Even if the testimony is admitted, the book outlines how the attorney can use the expert information to inform the judge and jury. Information is not provided on increasing the credibility of experts. The work consists of three volumes and covers concepts including basic information about the scientific method, the scientific status of psychology and psychiatry, aspects of the clinical examination, special topics regarding psychological testing including discussions of the MMPI and Rorschach tests, practical guidelines that aid analysis of the clinician's report, strategy for cross-examination, and specific case examples of challenges of expert testimony. Volume II focuses primarily on testing and methods. Intelligence as well as personality tests are examined and techniques for criticizing the validity of such tests are provided. Volume III relates the information in volumes I and II to depositions and cross-examinations. Chapter references, cumulative references for volumes I and II, citation and topic index, and appendixes on actual case files.