The past two decades have seen a rapidly growing involvement of psychologists and psychiatrists in legal proceedings for criminal cases, divorces, and traffic and industrial accidents. Mental health professionals are traditionally not trained to cope with the legal responsibilities that arise from their routine clinical work and are eager to learn the professional skills that are needed in forensic settings. This book fills that need and is designed as a practical handbook to assist practitioners from all mental health disciplines.
Key Features
- Focus on Courtroom Dialogue: The book examines typical courtroom exchanges between attorneys and mental health professionals.
- Experienced Authors: The authors, with extensive courtroom experience, provide effective responses to attorneys' queries.
- Illustrative Cases: Actual cases illustrate challenges in various legal areas, including criminal law and child custody hearings.
- Forensic Issues Highlighted: Key topics such as the scientific bases of expert opinions and malingering are emphasised.
Additional Information
There is presently no book which focuses entirely on the strategies and verbal tactics employed by attorneys who critically examine and challenge the testimony of mental health professionals. If psychologists and psychiatrists can familiarise themselves with the kind of questions and verbal exchanges that take place in the courtroom, they would be better prepared to provide their expertise in an effective manner. The book is based on the belief that exposure to courtroom dialogue enhances the awareness of appropriate professional responses to an attorney's cross-examination and greatly alleviates fear toward a situation well-known to provoke intense levels of anxiety.
Specifications
Product Options
Recommendations
