Forensic Reports and Testimony: A Guide to Effective Communication for Psychologists and Psychiatrists

Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists are increasingly asked to provide expertise to courts and attorneys in the criminal justice system in both criminal and civil proceedings.  The quality of the presentations they provide, in written reports and oral testimony, is as critical to their effectiveness as is their ability to chose and administer the assessments and examinations they are hired to conduct.  The authors are experts in the various topics psychologists report on for the courts--competence to stand trial, mental state, risk assessment--as well as the formats that information is delivered in: testimony, assessment reports.  They bring this expertise to this volume, which uniquely prepares forensic psychologists and those in training to become forensic psychologists, to produce successful reports, and to deliver useful testimony when called.