Forensic Reports and Testimony

Forensic Reports and Testimony PDF Author: Randy K. Otto
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118420942
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 400

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Book Description
Forensic Reports & Testimony: A Guide to EffectiveCommunication for Psychologists and Psychiatrists provides aroadmap for the mental health professional who wants to provideconsistently accurate, defensible, and useful reports and testimonyto the legal system. Authors Randy K. Otto, Richart L. DeMier, andMarcus Boccaccini, recognized experts in the field, cover allaspects of the process, including preparing affidavits and reports,preparing for depositions, and testifying. Every written or spoken communication for the courts must beclear and precise, and distinguish between facts, inferences, andopinions. This book uniquely: •Shows the critical differences between forensicpsychological reports and the clinical reports psychologists andpsychiatrists are accustomed to writing •Includes and explains important maxims of forensic reportwriting, including separating facts from inferences, focusing onoffering expert opinions, explaining why you think what you think,and connecting the dots between facts and conclusions •Provides numerous examples of experts’ testimony,affidavits, reports-with commentary and critiques Expert forensic work deserves to be presented in a clear,precise, and understandable way so that it is useful to attorneys,judges, and juries. Forensic Reports & Testimonyprovides the guidelines and models forensic psychologists andforensic psychiatrists need to make that happen.

Forensic Testimony

Forensic Testimony PDF Author: C. Michael Bowers
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0123972604
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
Forensic Testimony: Science, Law and Expert Evidence—favored with an Honorable Mention in Law & Legal Studies at the Association of American Publishers' 2015 PROSE Awards—provides a clear and intuitive discussion of the legal presentation of expert testimony. The book delves into the effects, processes, and battles that occur in the presentation of opinion and scientific evidence by court-accepted forensic experts. It provides a timely review of the United States Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) regarding expert testimony, and includes a multi-disciplinary look at the strengths and weaknesses in forensic science courtroom testimony. The statutes and the effects of judicial uses (or non-use) of the FRE, Daubert, Kumho, and the 2009 NAS Report on Forensic Science are also included. The presentation expands to study case law, legal opinions, and studies on the reliability and pitfalls of forensic expertise in the US court system. This book is an essential reference for anyone preparing to give expert testimony of forensic evidence. Honorable Mention in the 2015 PROSE Awards in Law & Legal Studies from the Association of American Publishers A multi-disciplinary forensic reference examining the strengths and weaknesses of forensic science in courtroom testimony Focuses on forensic testimony and judicial decisions in light of the Federal Rules of Evidence, case interpretations, and the NAS report findings Case studies, some from the Innocence Project, assist the reader in distinguishing good testimony from bad

A Guide to Forensic Testimony

A Guide to Forensic Testimony PDF Author: Fred Chris Smith
Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
ISBN: 9780201752793
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 560

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Book Description
A technical expert and a lawyer provide practical approaches for IT professionals who need to get up to speed on the role of an expert witness and how testimony works. Includes actual transcripts and case studies.

Writing Forensic Reports

Writing Forensic Reports PDF Author: Daniel P. Greenfield
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 9780826121592
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description
Despite the extensive technical literature on forensic mental health, there is a lack of practical guidebooks dedicated to generating clear and persuasive forensic mental health reports. Greenfield and Gottschalk present this practical handbook to address this critical need. This comprehensive guide outlines the proper format for forensic reports, contains multiple examples of full and partial reports, and is organized in a user-friendly, "how-to" style to accomplish its goal. The case overviews of full criminal reports, full civil reports, and civil summaries cover important topics such as domestic violence, malpractice, personal injury, malingering, and more. Key features: Full-length report samples with step-by-step guidelines explaining how each section of the report is done Designed to assist the novice, trainee, and seasoned forensic mental health practitioner Extensive commentaries and discussions following each case overview to convey how the report served to help resolve its case Extensive reference lists and appendices containing key terms, additional journals and periodicals, Internet resources, and assessment tools

Forensic Science Evidence and Expert Witness Testimony

Forensic Science Evidence and Expert Witness Testimony PDF Author: Paul Roberts
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 1788111036
Category : LAW
Languages : en
Pages : 464

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Book Description
Forensic science evidence plays a pivotal role in modern criminal proceedings. Yet such evidence poses intense practical and theoretical challenges. It can be unreliable or misleading and has been associated with miscarriages of justice. In this original and insightful book, a global team of prominent scholars and practitioners explore the contemporary challenges of forensic science evidence and expert witness testimony from a variety of theoretical, practical and jurisdictional perspectives. Chapters encompass the institutional organisation of forensic science, its procedural regulation, evaluation and reform, and brim with comparative insight.

Forensic Reports and Testimony

Forensic Reports and Testimony PDF Author: Randy K. Otto
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118136721
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 400

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Book Description
Forensic Reports & Testimony: A Guide to Effective Communication for Psychologists and Psychiatrists provides a roadmap for the mental health professional who wants to provide consistently accurate, defensible, and useful reports and testimony to the legal system. Authors Randy K. Otto, Richart L. DeMier, and Marcus Boccaccini, recognized experts in the field, cover all aspects of the process, including preparing affidavits and reports, preparing for depositions, and testifying. Every written or spoken communication for the courts must be clear and precise, and distinguish between facts, inferences, and opinions. This book uniquely: •Shows the critical differences between forensic psychological reports and the clinical reports psychologists and psychiatrists are accustomed to writing •Includes and explains important maxims of forensic report writing, including separating facts from inferences, focusing on offering expert opinions, explaining why you think what you think, and connecting the dots between facts and conclusions •Provides numerous examples of experts’ testimony, affidavits, reports-with commentary and critiques Expert forensic work deserves to be presented in a clear, precise, and understandable way so that it is useful to attorneys, judges, and juries. Forensic Reports & Testimony provides the guidelines and models forensic psychologists and forensic psychiatrists need to make that happen.

Neuropsychology in the Courtroom

Neuropsychology in the Courtroom PDF Author: Robert L. Heilbronner
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1593856342
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 289

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Book Description
"Straight talking, timely, and eminently practical, this book is rewarding reading for neuropsychologists working in the courts, other mental health professionals who may be called to serve as expert witnesses, and interested legal professionals. It is also an informative resource for graduate students in neuropsychology."--BOOK JACKET.

Forensic Evidence in Court

Forensic Evidence in Court PDF Author: Christine Beck Lissitzyn
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781531002237
Category : Evidence, Criminal
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The second edition of Forensic Evidence in Court updates the original version, which was published in 2007. This edition continues to focus on the use of forensic evidence in criminal trials by examining particular case studies. In addition, it adds two new topics: 1. Computer and Digital Forensics 2. Firearms, Ballistics, and Toolmarks This edition includes several significant developments in the use of forensic evidence at trial since 2007. The first is the U.S. Supreme Court case, Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, which established a right under the Confrontation Clause of the U.S. Constitution to cross-examine certain forensic analysts. That case involved an analyst who certified that a substance linked to the defendant was cocaine. This right was subsequently extended to an analyst who performed a blood alcohol test. However, when the Supreme Court was asked to rule on the applicability of this rule to DNA examiners, it stated that the examiner would be required to testify only if the results of the test were "testimonial" in nature. The case has been criticized and some lower courts have subsequently refused to follow it. Another significant development was the release of a report on the scientific reliability of forensic testing in many different areas issued by the National Research Council. The Report, called Strengthening Forensic Evidence: A Path Forward, called for more scientific testing and for standardization in qualification of examiners and in laboratory conditions. The only area of forensic examination that the report viewed as scientifically reliable is DNA. Various government agencies have been established to attempt to implement some of these recommendations. Funding is obviously a huge obstacle to implementing many of the recommendations. A development in forensics itself involved the extension of newer technologies in DNA testing, including a process called "Low Copy DNA," which tests quantities previously too small to type as well as DNA test kits that can be used at crime sites. A further development is the expansion of computer hacking, computer fraud and the ubiquitous nature of computers in society. We have added a new chapter to reflect what will continue to be a contentious issue in court-- "proving location and events with digital evidence." Advances in the psychological sciences have results in courts addressing issues of eyewitness testimony. Courts are coming to realize that eyewitness identifications are not as reliable as once thought. As such, courts are struggling with how best to address these issues: through jury instructions, expert testimony, or though some other method. It has come to light that eyewitness identification issues once thought to be within the "ken" of the average juror are most certainly not, and are appropriate for some manner of court intervention. This book can be used in courses for the following degrees: paralegal, criminal justice, sociology, and political science. Forensic Evidence in Court is also appropriate for use in a legal specialty course. Assignments include case law research, study of rules of evidence, how to select and prepare an expert witness, comparison of legal tests used to admit forensic evidence, study of standards used to review admission of forensic experts on appeal, and written work demonstrating critical analysis. Any attorney can teach this course, using the Teacher's Manual and sample assignments. Adjuncts experienced in criminal law or extensive use of expert testimony are particularly well suited. Guest lecturers from state forensic laboratories and state law enforcement forensic investigators give added perspective.

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309142393
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

Evaluation of Competence to Stand Trial

Evaluation of Competence to Stand Trial PDF Author: Patricia Zapf
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780199724161
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 160

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Book Description
Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. The 19 topical volumes address best approaches to practice for particular types of evaluation in the criminal, civil, and juvenile/family areas. Each volume contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. Volumes include the following helpful features: - Boxes that zero in on important information for use in evaluations - Tips for best practice and cautions against common pitfalls - Highlighting of relevant case law and statutes - Separate list of assessment tools for easy reference - Helpful glossary of key terms for the particular topic In making recommendations for best practice, authors consider empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency with ethical and professional standards. These volumes offer invaluable guidance for anyone involved in conducting or using forensic evaluations.