About the Book
Psychiatric Expert Testimony: Emerging Applications is for practitioners who need to be at the cutting edge of admissibility in court. The book avoids standard applications, such as the insanity defense and specific capacity assessments, in favor of those that may be controversial or require evidentiary hearings. It is divided into two broad areas: human development and its deviations; and science and technology. In each chapter, the reader will find a discussion of the science behind the testimony and, where applicable, relevant case law. In the human development area, there are discussions of the genesis of moral thinking, how early trauma can affect behavior, how to approach the child witness, and how Autism Spectrum Disorder is regarded in criminal justice. In the technology area, there are diverse discussions, including sleep disorders, fMRI lie detection, the uses of neuroimaging, traumatic encephalopathy, and designer drugs. Dr. Weiss and Dr. Watson provide a framework for understanding why and how the justice system needs expert testimony and the instances where there is resistance to it. Unlike other books, which either treat the subject generally or in a prescriptive manner, Psychiatric Expert Testimony: Emerging Applications provides a foundation for practitioners to use available science and then to fashion their own work product. In this way, the expert is not held to a formula or format. By using the content of Emerging Applications, the practitioner will be better able to fashion expert reports and field questions during evidentiary hearings.
Table of Contents:
Foreword: Robert L. Sadoff, M.D.
Introduction: Kenneth J. Weiss, M.D. and Clarence Watson, J.D., M.D.
Chapter 1. Expert Testimony: Legal Principles: Clarence Watson, J.D., M.D.
Chapter 2. Criminal Culpability: A Developmental Approach: Nicole Foubister, M.D. and Frank K. Tedeschi, M.D.
Chapter 3. Child Sexual Abuse Investigations: What Every Expert Witness Needs to Know: Julia Curcio Alexander, Ph.D., Jacqueline Block Goldstein, M.S.W., and Kenneth J. Weiss, M.D.
Chapter 4. Stress, Trauma, and the Developing Brain: John K. Northrop, M.D., Ph.D. and Steven J. Berkowitz, M.D.
Chapter 5. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Criminal Justice: Kenneth J. Weiss, M,.D. and Alexander R.N. Westphal, M.D., Ph.D.
Chapter 6. Using fMRI for Lie Detection: Ready for Court? Octavio Choi, M.D., Ph.D.
Chapter 7. Sleep Disorders and Criminal Responsibility: Clarence Watson, J.D., M.D., Mark R. Pressman, Ph.D., and Kenneth J. Weiss, M.D.
Chapter 8. Neuroimaging and Criminal Culpability: Susan E. Rushing, M.D., J.D. and Daniel Langleben, M.D.
Chapter 9. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Manish A. Fozdar, M.D. and Helen M. Farrell, M.D.
Chapter 10. Designer Drugs and Criminal Responsibility: Samson Gurmu, M.D. and Kenneth J. Weiss, M.D.
About the Author :
Kenneth J. Weiss, M.D
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Clarence Watson, J.D., M.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Review :
In Psychiatric Expert Testimony: Emerging Applications, Weiss and Watson have assembled valuable contributions on contemporary topics related to many of the scientific advances of the last two decades. From the general (e.g., human development and criminal culpability; autism spectrum disorders and criminal justice) to the specific (e.g., fMRI and veracity; sleep disorders and criminal responsibility), these chapters are well-chosen for their relevance to hard
questions directed toward forensic mental health experts. This is a very useful book for informing legal practice with science.
Kirk Heilbrun, PhD
Drexel University
A comprehensive and contemporary consideration of the role of expert testimony in civil and criminal cases, focusing on cutting-edge issues that, until now, have screamed out for this sort of careful and thoughtful analysis. Drs Weiss and Watson and their colleagues have done a superlative job.
Michael L. Perlin
Professor of Law
New York Law School
"It is clear that the chapter authors are very knowledgeable in their areas.
Readers get a good grasp of the topic, supplemented by excellent case examples." -- Doody's Life Sciences Book Review
"The psychiatric expert witness needs an up-to-date knowledge base to facilitate both appropriate applications of emerging science and the ability to recognize questionable transgressions. In Psychiatric Expert Testimony: Emerging Applications, Weiss and Watson offer a much-needed synopsis of commonly encountered emerging issues in forensic psychiatry... There are several excellent chapters, and the one on fMRI for lie detection by Octavio Choi is among them.
Like most of the topics covered in the text, the subject is one that warrants both respect for powerful technology and impressive progress in terms of research findings, and consideration for persisting
limitations and many unknowns. All said, Psychiatric Expert Testimony represents an informative and enjoyable text that will enhance the practice of forensic psychiatrists who read it." -- Hal S. Wortzel, M.D., American Journal of Psychiatry
"I recommend this book as an introduction to cutting-edge developments in psychiatry and the law, such as using neuroimaging in courts, evaluating children who have been victims of sexual abuse, weighing the impact of autism spectrum disorders on
alleged criminal behavior, and assessing juvenile maturity for purposes of bindover to the adult justice system. It is a well-researched, highly readable, and timely exploration of new and important topics. It integrates current scientific knowledge with recent case law to provide practical advice to experts testifying in these new areas." -- Sherif Soliman, Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
