Principles of Forensic Report Writing

Michael Karson, PhD, JD, ABPP (Clinical), practiced clinical and forensic psychology for 25 years before entering academia in 2 3. He has written almost 2, reports of individual psychological evaluations and has reviewed tens of thousands of other clinicians' reports as a consultant to the child welfare system. He teaches assessment and report writing in the forensic psychology master's program and in the clinical psychology doctoral program at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Professional Psychology. He is the author of four other books on assessment, child abuse, and psychotherapy.  Lavita Nadkarni, PhD, is a professor and the director of forensic studies at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Professional Psychology. She has written thousands of forensic reports since graduating with her master's degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 985. In addition to supervising doctoral students on their forensic evaluations, she continues to be actively engaged in forensic practice. She is the editor of Psychotherapy Bulletin and is one of the coeditors of the Handbook of Multicultural Counseling Competencies.

Both novice and seasoned forensic report writers will be sure to write better and more comprehensive reports when armed with Principles of Forensic Report Writing. (PsycCRITIQUES)

• PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionThe Functions of Forensic ReportsOrganization of the ReportConverting the Legal Issue Into a Psychological QuestionLaying the Groundwork for an OpinionCiting Different Kinds of EvidenceHow to Present Your OpinionCritical Thinking in Forensic AnalysisLegal and Ethical PitfallsCulturally Competent Report WritingWriting an Effective ReportAppendix: Two Sample ReportsReferencesIndexAbout the Authors