Neuropsychology in the Courtroom : Expert Analysis of Reports and Testimony

This volume brings together leading neuropsychologists to shed light on the nuts and bolts of forensic practice. An array of adult and child cases are presented, involving such conditions as traumatic brain injury, multiple chemical sensitivity, cerebral anoxia, and electrical injury. Contributors show how they go about reviewing reports and depositions in a particular case, providing fine-grained analysis of the opinions and conclusions of the examiner. Issues addressed in detail include the selection of tests, appropriate use of normative samples, and errors in scoring and interpretation. Unique in providing multiple perspectives on each case, the book identifies common clinical and professional pitfalls and how to avoid them. Doody Review Services Reviewer: Christopher J. Graver, PhD(Madigan Army Medical Center) Description: Neuropsychologists are increasingly being called on to provide evaluations in the legal arena, as well as to consult with attorneys and comment on the findings of opposing experts. The issues are wide ranging and present neuropsychologists with unique challenges. This book, through a case-study format, addresses many of the typical roles, questions, and challenges that emerge in forensic work for neuropsychologists. Purpose: Using a variety of case studies, the book addresses the ways neuropsychologists can approach forensic evaluations, write reports, prepare for depositions, and critique opposing reports. Audience: This book is clearly targeted at practicing neuropsychologists, as well as students in this discipline. The editor and contributing authors are proficient and knowledgeable in this area and some have previously published on related topics. Features: The chapters all follow a similar format. They begin with an introduction to the author, as well as to the neurological condition to be discussed. Background on the case is presented, as well as the data and sections of the report. Key points are emphasized and later addressed in an analysis section. Concluding thoughts are included along with lessons learned. In the middle section, key arguments are raised as plaintiff and defense experts' reports are critiqued and rebutted. These are common issues in forensics and worthwhile for neuropsychologists to review. A section on special topics towards the end of the book includes information such as typical questions from attorneys on cross examination, but lacks any discussion about common or possible responses to these questions. While not abundant, the references are current and noteworthy. The index is helpful, but somewhat short. Assessment: In a unique fashion, this book compiles not only useful factual information, but lets readers examine the thought processes of renowned neuropsychologists as they tackle critical forensic issues. The format is clear and instructive, yielding a much improved offering from the author's previous book, Forensic Neuropsychology Casebook , (Guildford Press, 2005). For the nuts and bolts of forensic practice, however, readers should own Psychological Evaluations for the Courts , 3rd edition, Melton, et al. (Guildford Press, 2007). "In concise yet thorough and detailed chapters, the volume describes adult and child cases involving such conditions as traumatic brain injury, multiple chemical sensitivity, cerebral anoxia, and electrical injury. The contributors explain the background of each case and review the associated reports and depositions, providing a fine-grained discussion of the opinions and conclusions of the examiner. A number of chapters feature analyses from the viewpoint of an opposing expert, identifying areas of weakness and possible directions for cross-examination. Among the issues addressed in depth are the selection of tests, appropriate use of normative samples, and errors in scoring and interpretation. The contributors also share clear recommendations for improving the quality of clinical and forensic evaluations, interacting successfully with attorneys and judges, and maintaining the highest ethical standards in different professional roles." "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."--Jacket Brings together leading neuropsychologists to reveals the nuts and bolts of forensic practice. This work presents an array of adult and child cases, involving such conditions as traumatic brain injury, multiple chemical sensitivity, cerebral anoxia, and electrical injury