„Communication is the heart of forensic practice and this bookprovides a lot of heart. The authors cover every aspect of the artof forensic communication from A to Z in an easily understood, concise way. Forensic Reports and Testimony is a must-havebook for trainees in forensic mental health and contains much thatwill be of value to seasoned clinicians. I predict that this textwill become the essential guide to developing professional reportwriting and testifying skills in training programs in psychiatryand psychology.“
--Steven K. Hoge, MD, Clinical Professor; Director, Columbia-Cornell Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program; ColumbiaUniversity College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY„In this terrifically practical book, the authors define ascholarly foundation for forensic reports, a process forconceptualizing and structuring them, and excellent how-toguidance on report writing and testimony preparation. They havemade the subject come alive with many examples of good and badreports and testimony and show how transparency and acknowledgmentof limitations serves both experts and the justice systemwell.“
--Stanley L. Brodsky, Ph. D., The University ofAlabama
This is the best step by step guide to report writing coupledwith research based, practical advice on how to give effectivetestimony. It contains the crystalized wisdom of three leadingforensic psychologists on how to be persuasive while staying withinthe ethical guidelines for forensic psychologists andpsychiatrists. The authors provide multiple examples ofsophisticated, nuanced responses to challenging cross examinationquestions.
--Phillip J. Resnick, M. D. Professor of Psychiatry CaseWestern Reserve University School of Medicine
Forensic Reports and Testimony
A Guide to Effective Communication for Psychologists and Psychiatrists
von Randy K. Otto, Richart DeMier und Marcus BoccacciniEvery 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.
