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Standardizing the psychological autopsy: addressing the Daubert standard.
Jenifer E Snider1, Steve Hane, Alan L Berman
1Marymount University, USA.
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|November 8, 2006
Summary
The psychological autopsy, a tool in suicidology, faces admissibility challenges in legal cases due to inconsistent methods. This study proposes a standardized protocol to improve its reliability and validity for forensic use.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Suicidology
- Legal Medicine
Background:
- The psychological autopsy is a widely used tool in research, clinical practice, and forensic investigations within suicidology.
- Significant challenges exist regarding the standardization, validity, and reliability of psychological autopsies in forensic settings.
- These issues impact the admissibility of psychological autopsy evidence under the Daubert standard for expert testimony.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine expert opinions on the application of psychological autopsies in legal contexts.
- To address the lack of standardization and its implications for evidence admissibility.
- To propose a standardized protocol for conducting psychological autopsies in legal cases.
Main Methods:
- Review of expert opinions on psychological autopsy procedures.
- Analysis of the Daubert standard's requirements for scientific evidence.
- Development of a recommended standardized protocol for legal applications.
Main Results:
- Expert opinions highlight significant variability in current psychological autopsy practices.
- The Daubert standard necessitates demonstrable reliability and validity, which are often lacking.
- A need for a structured approach to psychological autopsies in forensic settings is evident.
Conclusions:
- Standardization of the psychological autopsy is crucial for its acceptance as reliable evidence in legal proceedings.
- A proposed protocol can enhance the consistency, validity, and reliability of psychological autopsies.
- Implementing a standardized template will aid legal professionals in evaluating expert testimony based on psychological autopsies.
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