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Forensic neuropsychology: a reply to the method skeptics
J T Barth1, T V Ryan, G L Hawk
1Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Virginia Medical School, Charlottesville 22901.
Neuropsychology Review
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Clinical neuropsychology offers valuable evidence for legal proceedings, despite scientific development critiques. Courts are increasingly accepting this expert testimony, supporting its forensic application.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Neuropsychology
- Legal Medicine
Background:
- Method skeptics question the scientific validity of clinical neuropsychology for legal evidence.
- This challenges the admissibility of neuropsychological findings in court.
Purpose of the Study:
- To balance extreme skepticism by presenting evidence supporting forensic neuropsychology.
- To review legal and research data advocating for its use in legal decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Overview of legal data and research findings.
- Discussion of clinical judgment, experience, and actuarial prediction.
- Specific address of neuropsychological assessment validity.
Main Results:
- Clinical evidence can effectively inform legal decisions.
- Courts show an increasing openness to neuropsychological expert testimony.
- Neuropsychological assessment validity is a key consideration.
Conclusions:
- Skepticism should inform future research and caution practitioners.
- A withdrawal from courtroom practice by forensic neuropsychologists is not justified.