Forensic Neuropsychology: Legal and Scientific Bases Hardcover - 1991 - 1st Edition

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With the dramatic growth of neuropsychology in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of neuropsychological assessment in legal proceedings. Thus, it is not unlikely for today's practicing behavioral and clinical neuropsychologists to find their data, their reports, and themselves drawn into the legal system. Written by a team of distinguished neuropsychologists and physician-attorneys, Forensic Neuropsychology is an indispensable road map to the legal system for neuropsychologists who are--or might become--participants in forensic issues. It offers a timely and authoritative exploration of the medicolegal complexities involved in such testimony. Opening chapters review key legal structures and processes. They establish the legal base in forensic neuropsychology, detail the rules governing expert testimony, explore the neuropsychologist-attorney-patient working relationship and also examine the scientific/medical database informing neuropsychological analysis and opinion. A key group of chapters then address crucial issues regarding the interpretation of assessment data, including
* the construction of a valid baseline against which to measure the sequelae of new trauma or illness
* the neuropsychological effects of current and past substance abuse, primary or coexistent with other causes of impairment
* the impact of psychopathology on cognitive function
* and motivational/psychogenic factors influencing neuropsychological performance.
Focusing on prognosis and rehabilitation, the book's concluding chapters discuss issues in remediation and long-term outcome and introduce methods and procedures for estimating economic loss. Of special note: Commonly asked questions in forensic neuropsychological testimony, culled from actual deposition and trial testimony transcripts, are presented and analyzed in the appendix. Distinguished by its integrative, process-oriented approach, Forensic Neuropsychology serves both the practitioner testifying as expert witness on neuropsychological matters and the trial lawyer--plaintiff or defense--promoting or challenging such expert testimony.

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