Forensic Neuropsychology: Legal And Scientific Bases

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 practising behavioral and clinical neuropsychologists to find their data, and reports 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 system 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 neuropsycholgical effects of current and past substance abuse, primary or coexistent with other causes of impairment
* The impact of psychopathology on cognitive function
* 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.