Psychological evaluations in the criminal justice system: Basic principles and best practices

Forensic psychologists are frequently called upon to conduct evaluations for competency to stand trial, insanity defense, or prediction of future dangerousness. Psychological evaluations for the court typically include record review, clinical examination of the defendant, interview of collaterals, psychological testing, and preparation of a written report. Psychological forensic examiners may also be called upon to testify in court. In rendering their conclusions, forensic examiners should conduct a careful analysis of each individual case, not rely on the mere presence, absence, or severity of any mental disorder to make a legal determination.

► Criminal forensic psychological evaluations fall into three major categories: ► Competency to stand trial, Not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). ► Risk assessment, or prediction of dangerousness. ► The essential components of a forensic psychological evaluation include: ► Review of records, Clinical interview, Psychological tests and measures and interview of collaterals and witnesses, Report preparation, Expert testimony.