Publication Year: 2011
Edition: 1st
Authors/Editor: Buchanan, Alec; Norko, Michael A.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 978-0-52-113184-1
Doody's Star Rating®:
Score: 94This book provides a theoretical background to psychiatric writing for the law and a practical guide to the preparation of the report.
The written report is central to the practice of psychiatry in legal settings. It is required of mental health professionals acting as expert witnesses in criminal cases, civil litigation situations, child custody proceedings and risk assessments.
The first section of this book addresses practical and ethical concerns, including the conduct of the forensic psychiatric evaluation, conflicts of interest, record keeping and confidentiality. The second section contains practical and detailed advice on preparing various types of report, including reports for use in criminal and civil litigation, civil commitment hearings and child custody proceedings. A final section covers special issues arising during report preparation including the use of psychologica