Psychologists and sex offenders: A hopeful update to Brunette and Sales.

Brunette and Sales (see record 1981-11085-001) have done an extensive survey of state statutes in the preparation of their article. Although I have no doubt as to the accuracy of their view of these statutes, I would like to point out that the article is somewhat misleading as to the actual role psychologists play in the disposition of sex offenders. In fact (at least in New Jersey where I live and work), the role of psychologists is much greater than Brunette and Sales indicate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Daubert v. Merrell Dow and expert testimony by clinical psychologists: Implications and recommendations for practice.

The role and practice of clinical psychologists as expert witnesses is discussed in light of the United States Supreme Court decision in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993). Daubert v. Merrell Dow is reviewed, and its implications for clinicians who testify as expert witnesses are presented. A distinction is made between expert testimony in a generic sense, and scientific expert testimony. By virtue of clinical psychology's adoption of the mantle of science, clinical psychologists should adhere to scientific standards of data gathering in order to qualify as scientific experts. Guidelines are provided to assist clinicians in assessing the confidence with which conclusions can be termed scientific, and ethical concerns are reviewed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)