Reports and Testimony

The focus of this unit is the results produced by forensic psychologists: their reports and testimony. These written and verbal products are the vehicles for communicating expert-witness opinion to the judiciary.

Literally every word matters in the delivery of expert-witness opinions, whether verbal or written. Such is the structure of the law.

Assignment

1. The Ultimate Issue

Choose from one of the following assessment. Then complete the following question below.

1. Competency to confess (that is, waive Miranda rights).

2. Sanity at the time of the offense charged (insanity).

3. Juvenile court evaluation for amenability to treatment.

• Describe the ultimate issue in this situation.

• Consider those concerns of interest to the court that would form a basis for a resolution of the ultimate issue.

• Explain how you would address these concerns of interest to the court.

2. Cross-Examination

Choose an assessment one of the following assessment. Then complete the following question below.

1. Competency to confess (that is, waive Miranda rights).

2. Sanity at the time of the offense charged (insanity).

3. Juvenile court evaluation for amenability to treatment.

• Create a cross-examination to challenge the limitations of the methodology you chose for this activity.

• Include at least three questions to be asked by the opposing counsel, as well as your responses to these three challenges to your methodology.