The Forensic Psychologist as Consultant: Examples from a Jurisprudent Science Perspective

Abstract

Forensic psychological consultants can employ “jurisprudent science” analyses to examine the science, practice, and role domains of expert witness work product. Examples of relevant issues include “scientific certainty” versus “probability” as understood and expressed by the expert witness (science); test scoring, administration, and interpretation errors-including those committed by students and other trainees (practice); and the accessibility of verifiable information concerning the potential for inadequate licensure, failed board certification attempts, and prior disciplinary sanctions (roles). Taking care to address each of these three domains in a thorough, balanced, and scientifically valid fashion, forensic psychological consultants enable counsel to place expert mental health evidence in its appropriate context with an optimal degree of transparency and detail.