A Review of <i>Psychiatric and Psychological Evidence</i>

Volume 35, Issue 4 (July 1990)

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ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

A Review of Psychiatric and Psychological Evidence
Felthous, AR
Chief. Forensic Services, and professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, TX

Abstract

As trial lawyers must know from voir dire experience, some potential jurors categorically discount psychiatric testimony. Others question why greater use is not made of testimony from mental health experts, who seek to understand and help people with their psychological problems. Not only laypersons, but also writers in the professional literature both exalt and trash psychiatrists and psychologists as expert witnesses. Some writers present the mental health sciences as a body of valuable theory and knowledge which the legal system has failed to appreciate and apply towards the betterment of mankind. Others advise lawyers how to methodically destroy the witness's testimony and show virtually no appreciation of any contribution the mental health sciences can make towards the just resolution of legal issues.

Keywords:

Paper ID: JFS12922J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12922J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

Author Title A Review of Psychiatric and Psychological Evidence Symposium , 0000-00-00 Committee E30

		SEDL / Journals / Journal of Forensic Sciences (JOFS) / Citation Page Volume 35, Issue 4 (July 1990) Click here to download this paper now for $25 PDF (312K) View License Agreement ISSN: 0022-1198 CODEN: JFSCA Page Count: 4 A Review of Psychiatric and Psychological Evidence Felthous, AR Chief. Forensic Services, and professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, TX Abstract As trial lawyers must know from voir dire experience, some potential jurors categorically discount psychiatric testimony. Others question why greater use is not made of testimony from mental health experts, who seek to understand and help people with their psychological problems. Not only laypersons, but also writers in the professional literature both exalt and trash psychiatrists and psychologists as expert witnesses. Some writers present the mental health sciences as a body of valuable theory and knowledge which the legal system has failed to appreciate and apply towards the betterment of mankind. Others advise lawyers how to methodically destroy the witness's testimony and show virtually no appreciation of any contribution the mental health sciences can make towards the just resolution of legal issues. Keywords: Paper ID: JFS12922J DOI: 10.1520/JFS12922J ASTM International is a member of CrossRef. Author Title A Review of Psychiatric and Psychological Evidence Symposium , 0000-00-00 Committee E30