NCJ Number
168779
Journal
The Advocate Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1996) Pages: 129-133
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In obtaining a forensic mental health evaluation on behalf of indigent defendants, attorneys should ensure a potential expert's understanding of and commitment to appropriate forensic assessment principles and techniques, regardless of core discipline or clinical specialization, before contemplating specific elements of a psychological testing battery.
Abstract
The difference between the administration of a prescribed series of tests and the ability to combine results from all sources of data into a responsive and persuasive whole before the court is the difference between the clinical psychologist who performs an examination and the forensic psychologist who conducts an evaluation. Public defenders need to ensure indigent clients receive the mental health assistance to which the law entitles them. An appropriate psychological examination should lead to a comprehensive evaluation that considers neuropsychological factors. 6 footnotes