ABSTRACT
This book provides a detailed look into the casework of two forensic-clinical psychologists from different continents with different legal systems. Initially this book provides a brief overview of the most important differences between the two legal systems and then the role of the forensic psychologist as expert witness in both systems will be reviewed, including specific regulations which determine the legal acceptance of expert testimony. The book also provides a unique opportunity to compare the role of the expert witness, the procedures and regulations governing her work, and the practical opportunities and limitations involved. Then it argues the conceptual differences between the two systems and the actual practice may be more similar than predicted from theory. The final part of this book discusses the unique characteristics of forensic mental health assessment in comparison to clinical mental health assessment.
