A guide to what a psychiatrist needs to know in order to prepare medico-legal reports and become an expert witness. This book covers the roles and responsibilities of the psychiatric expert witness in the context of case and statute law, administration, training and other practical matters, the medico-legal consultation and the structure and form of the expert report. Specific chapters deal with psychiatric reports in criminal, civil and family cases, as well as inquests, tribunals and other parts of the legal system. Preparation of reports for jurisdictions in the British Isles outside England and Wales is covered. It will be of value to trainee psychiatrists and recently appointed consultants who need a handbook to assist them as they acquire the training, skills and knowledge necessary to prepare expert psychiatric evidence for courts and other legal forums. This book is aimed at psychiatrists who wish to write medico-legal reports and become expert witnesses, but it will also be a useful resource for established expert psychiatric witnesses and the solicitors and barristers who instruct them.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“An excellent book, it would be a foolish trainee or new consultant in psychiatry who did not possess, read and inwardly digest it. The book deserves a place in the personal library of any expert witness, however experienced he or she is …it can also be very helpful to any lawyer who is involved in instructing or cross-examining a psychiatric expert witness. …I wholeheartedly recommend it.” – The Expert & Dispute Resolver (The Academy of Experts)
“Extremely detailed but readable, at times even amusing. Advice is …practical, even extending to avoiding staples and paperclips. All aspects are covered, including secretarial support, billing, marketing yourself and holidays. This book will certainly help psychiatrists, perhaps also lawyers, avoid major mistakes.” – The Advocate
“He has poured his wealth of experience and knowledge into this book … I can’t imagine that any psychiatrist would not find this book helpful. One of the best parts of working as an academic is learning from writing as good as this.” – Expert Witness Institute Newsletter (EWIN)
Book Description
A guide to what a psychiatrist needs to know in order to prepare medico-legal reports and become an expert witness.
About the Author
About the author: Dr Keith Rix is Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist at The Grange Consulting Rooms, Cleckheaton and at Cygnet Hospital Wyke, Bradford. His forensic experience began in the 1960s when he lived in hostels with ex-offenders and assessed prisoners for after-care hostels. He has a Master of Laws (Distinction) in Medical Law and Ethics and is a part-time lecturer in the Department of Law at De Montfort University, Leicester. He has thirty years experience as an expert witness.
Quote from the author: “I have enjoyed thirty years’ work as a psychiatric expert witness and I have equally enjoyed teaching and training others. I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to use this experience to write a book on the subject before I retire.” – Keith Rix
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