This book prepares the mental health professional to use scientific skills when working within
a legal framework. Written by a seasoned forensic psychiatrist with decades of experience and
professional honors this text answers some of the most challenging questions psychiatrists
face when mental health intersects with the courtroom. The text is supported with 34 case
vignettes that demonstrate ways in which seemingly simple diagnoses have unique layers of
complexities that are vital within the legal system. The resource covers topics that may not be
elucidated in medical schools including what to expect from an expert witness how to
communicate with attorneys who lack a medical background managing opposing viewpoints
psychiatric and medical malpractice harassment employment status and other difficult topics
as it pertains to the law. The text also knits this understanding of forensic psychiatry with
clinical knowledge addressing violence and risk assessment discrimination disability
evaluation psychiatric disorders criminal and civil competence end-of-life care and
decisions and a wide array of medical topics that have unique concerns when placed in the
context of the legal system. The Forensic Examination is a vital resource for psychiatrists
psychologists criminal and civil defenders and all professionals working with persons in the
medicolegal system.
