A concise, pragmatic guide to a growing area of professional practice, this book describes the multiple roles of the trial consultant and provides tools for carrying them out competently and ethically. Leading authority Stanley Brodsky uses examples from actual trials and depositions to illustrate how knowledge and skills from psychology and related fields are applied in the legal context. He shows how to use scientific methods and findings to assist with jury selection, help attorneys focus their arguments, prepare witnesses for the rigors of cross-examination, and conduct change of venue evaluations. The examples are drawn from a wide range of civil and criminal cases. In addition to behavioral scientists, legal professionals also will find important insights and strategies in this book. --- from the publisher Critical Acclaim: "One of the few books to present an overview of important techniques available to trial consultants from both a practical and research perspective. Brodsky does what he does best, combining research knowledge, practical experience, and personal insights in a concise, focused style. The combination of case examples and detailed descriptions of techniques and practices makes this book a user-friendly and valuable read." —Nancy L. Ryba, PhD, Department of Psychology, California State University, Fullerton
"Brodsky has done it again. Nobody writes with more simple elegance and clarity about complicated and sophisticated issues in psychology and law. As the art and science of trial consultation matures, this book marks a true developmental milestone." —Joel A. Dvoskin, PhD, past president, American Psychology-Law Society; Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona
"The most thoughtful and insightful book about trial consultation that I have ever read. This book is both approachable and scholarly, anecdotal and analytical. It gives the reader new understandings of the full range of substantive issues about which a trial consultant must develop expertise, and does so with humor, humility, and passion. For those interested in this important topic, this is 'must' reading."—Michael L. Perlin, JD, Director, International Mental Disability Law Reform Project and Online Mental Disability Law Program, New York Law School Contents: I. Essential Issues in Trial Consultation 1. Introduction to Trial Consultation 2. The Case Conceptualization 3. Toolbox for Trial Consultants II. Preparation of Witnesses and Attorneys 4. Witness Preparation for Testifying in Court 5. Preparation and Examination of Expert Witnesses 6. Witness Preparation: Findings from the Lab III. Jury Selection Principles and Case Studies 7. Jury Selection: Basic Approaches 8. Jury Selection: Internet Sex Offenders and Juror Sexual Values 9. No Questions but Deselection Questions 10. Jury Selection: Reversals IV. Changes of Venue 11. Change of Venue Consultations 12. Surveys of Pretrial Bias: A Case Report V. Putting It Together 13. Trial Consultation in a Capital Murder Case: Integrating the Components of Trial Consultation 14. Trial Consultation in Eminent Domain Cases 15. Where Next for Trial Consulting?: Emerging Trends and Limitations About the Author: Stanley L. Brodsky, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama |