Available through Wolters Kluwer.
By Thomas G. Gutheil and Frank M. Dattilio
Written by two internationally renowned practitioners and teachers in forensic psychiatry and psychology, Practical Approaches to Forensic Mental Health Testimony is a practical, hands-on guide to testifying in court on mental health issues. Designed for use by both novices and seasoned practitioners, this original work cuts through dense forensic mental health theory and addresses the actual, concrete approaches that lead experts to deliver ethical and effective testimonies in court. The common pitfalls and various traps frequently encountered by experts (and how to avoid them) are presented to readers through multiple examples of both direct and cross examination courtroom dialogues, collaborations with attorneys, and methods to crafting effective testimony. With clearly illustrated strategies and techniques that prepare readers to give accurate, expert testimonies, this book is a must-read for all mental health professionals who are serious about excelling in court.
Features of this invaluable text include:
- Insights from two internationally eminent, leading scholars in the field of forensic psychiatry and psychology
- Direct, hands-on instruction and guidance on how mental health clinicians should handle themselves as expert witnesses in court
- A focus on practical information regarding what the reader will actually do when called on to respond to an attorney’s searching questions, rather than dwelling on the complexities of forensic mental health theory
- Breakdowns of real-life excerpts of direct examination and cross-examination and suggestions on improved responses
- Detailed analyses of cross-examination, which poses the biggest challenge to witnesses, particularly trainees
- Pitfalls in the attorney-expert relationship and factors that can potentially compromise the expert’s objectivity
Other Books Available from Dr. Dattilio
Mental Health Experts: Roles and Qualifications
Crime & Mental Illness: A Guide to Courtroom Practice
Handbook of Forensic Assessment
