Psychologists are increasingly being asked to give evidence in court as expert witnesses, yet for some it can be a harrowing experience. Writing Reports for Court provides essential support for psychologists when preparing a court report and giving evidence. A well prepared report underpins an effective court presentation. The credibility of a psychologist called upon to prepare a report for court will be questioned if the document presented is viewed poorly. The court will place little weight on the report and the psychologist's professional reputation will be placed at risk. This book offers guidance on the content and structure of reports, highlights the importance of assessments that directly address the legal questions under consideration, and includes detailed descriptions of relevant law and practice in Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Singapore. Featuring several comprehensive case studies, this book serves as an excellent resource for any working psychologist who may find themselves in a criminal court as well as any psychologist or student considering a career in forensic work.

Author Biography

Jack White is the principal of White & Associates Psychologists, a specialist forensic psychology practice based in Adelaide. He has a Doctorate Degree in Psychology from the University of Adelaide and is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. He received the 2008 Award of Distinction from the Australian Psychological Society's College of Forensic Psychologists and is a past National Chair of that College. He taught within the Forensic Psychology Masters program (1999-2010) at the University of South Australia, and currently is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Canberra. Academically he has published widely in areas that include report writing, psychometric assessment, Indigenous neuropsychology, mental impairment, intellectual disability, and criminal behavior in athletes. Andrew Day is Professor in the School of Psychology at Deakin University and a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. He has published widely in the area of offender rehabilitation. Before joining academia he was employed as a clinical psychologist in South Australia and the UK, having gained his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Birmingham and a Masters in Applied Criminological Psychology from the University of London. Louisa Hackett is the Principal Psychologist for Youth Justice in South Australia. While gaining her Masters in Forensic Psychology, she worked as a Research Associate in the Forensic Psychology Research Group at the University of South Australia. Since then, she has worked primarily in correctional and forensic mental health settings, conducting psychological assessments and providing intervention with adults and young people involved in the criminal justice system for the last 10 years. J. Thomas Dalby has provided expert opinions to courts across Canada and the United States for 36 years relating to criminal, civil and administrative law matters. Dr Dalby is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Calgary and was on the faculty of Medicine for 26 years. He has published over 100 books, chapters, and articles in medical, legal and psychological forums. In 2013 Dr Dalby received the highest Canadian award for a professional psychologist - the Canadian Psychological Association's award for distinguished contributions to psychology. He has also published fiction and was co-writer of an award-winning screenplay based on a key insanity case in London in 1843.