Mastering Forensic Psychiatric Practice: Advanced Strategies for the Expert Witness

✍ Scribed by Thomas G. Gutheil, Robert I. Simon

• Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
• Year: 2002
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 171
• Edition: 1st
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Once based largely on anecdotal material and thus considered mystifying and idiosyncratic, forensic psychiatry has come into its own as an exciting and uniquely rewarding specialty.This groundbreaking work, designed as the conceptual successor to The Psychiatrist as Expert Witness (American Psychiatric Publishing 1998), covers subject areas that—despite extensive ad hoc discussions in professional forums—have until now lacked systematic exploration. Here, two leading forensic practitioners present the first truly comprehensive overview of previously unavailable data from actual forensic practice.

Focusing on the privately retained practitioner within the civil context of America’s legal system, this incomparable reference examines forensic practice from basics to trial, covering case preparation, fee agreements and finances (including model fee agreement guidelines), attorney-expert relations (such previously taboo topics as use of the expert’s name without consent—i.e., the ''phantom expert''—and attorney pressures on the expert witness), the pitfalls of cross-examination, and issues in forensic countertransference. Extensively annotated and indexed, this unique volume also features vignettes of real-life ethical dilemmas that defy clear resolution, such as the misuse of research funds, sexual misconduct, and malpractice.

Intended to foster and improve the dialogue and understanding between clinical and legal professionals, this in-depth book by top practitioners is certain to raise the standards of forensic practice and become an essential reference in this complex and uniquely challenging field.

✦ Table of Contents

Contents......Page 8
About the Authors......Page 12
Preface......Page 14
Acknowledgments......Page 18
PART I: Introduction and Basics......Page 22
1 The Expert's Task......Page 24
PART II: Practical Matters......Page 32
2 Practical Aspects of the Forensic Examination......Page 34
Appendix 2–1: A Model Consent Form......Page 42
3 Boundary Issues in Case Preparation With Attorneys......Page 44
4 Fee Agreements and Finances in Forensic Practice: Theoretical and Empirical Dimensions......Page 52
Appendix 4–1: Model Fee Agreement Guidelines......Page 62
PART III: Problem Areas in Attorney-Expert Relations......Page 66
5 Attorneys' Pressures on the Expert Witness: Early Warning Signs and Empirical Study of Endangered Honesty and Objectivity......Page 68
6 The Phantom Expert: Use of an Expert's Name or Alleged Testimony Without Consent as a Legal Strategy......Page 88
PART IV: Forensic Countertransference......Page 100
7 Issues in Forensic Countertransference: Early Warning Signs of Compromised Distance and Objectivity......Page 102
PART V: Problems With Deposition and Trial Testimony......Page 112
8 Personal Questions on Cross-Examination: A Pilot Study of Expert Witness Attitudes......Page 114
9 Telling Tales Out of Court: Experts' Disclosures About Opposing Experts......Page 122
10 Effects of the Daubert Case on Preparing Psychiatric/Psychological Testimony for Court......Page 134
PART VI: Ethical Issues......Page 146
11 Some Ethical Dilemmas......Page 148
Appendix 11–1: American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Ethical Guidelines for the Practice of Forensic Psychiatry......Page 156
Epilogue......Page 162
Suggested Readings......Page 164
B......Page 166
D......Page 167
F......Page 168
P......Page 169
T......Page 170
Z......Page 171