Coping with Cross-Examination and Other Pathways to Effective Testimony
Brodsky (psychology, University of Alabama) looks at the psychology of cross-examination in witness testimony and gives tips and techniques on surviving the process, for experts in various scientific and professional areas called upon to give testimony. He introduces general testimony and cross-examination issues, gives advice on dealing with cross-examination attacks and bullying, and presents problems in expert testimony and solutions. There is no subject index. Annotation ©2004 Book News,...
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Brodsky (psychology, University of Alabama) looks at the psychology of cross-examination in witness testimony and gives tips and techniques on surviving the process, for experts in various scientific and professional areas called upon to give testimony. He introduces general testimony and cross-examination issues, gives advice on dealing with cross-examination attacks and bullying, and presents problems in expert testimony and solutions. There is no subject index. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR Doody Review Services Reviewer:Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)Description:This book successfully provides both a foundation and a model for the expert witness while also attempting to alleviate the stress and uncertainty of testifying.Purpose:The purpose is to examine the psychology behind cross-examination, how one is to think on the stand, which words should be used and which need to be avoided, and the interplay between attorney and witness. The author presents the issue of testifying in the hopes that the reader's fear will be alleviated and ultimately be mastered. In a litigious society, this book is quite timely and meets not only the author's objectives, but quite possibly the field of psychology.Audience:Basically, any professional who has served or will be serving as an expert witness will benefit from this well written book. Mainly, both clinical and forensic psychologists and psychiatrists will find this book invaluable. The author's credibility and knowledge of the field of forensic psychology and the legal system is without question. He brings years of real world clinical and academic experience to this book.Features:The book seems to cover every possible aspect of testifying in court from addressing body language, speech, and metaphors in testimony, overconfidence, and lies. Quite timely, is the author's discussion of the various professional dilemmas and boundaries. Many clinician experts will appreciate the tips for dealing with adversarial attorneys while on the stand. Overall, this book benefits from the short, concise chapters and stands out as a solid reference for one to refer to in the future.Assessment:Stanley Brodsky has made a substantial worthwhile contribution to the field of mental health with this well written compilation of advice and knowledge for the expert witness. Truly a stand-alone book that deserves to be read by all clinicians who have or will be testifying in court.
AcknowledgmentsIIntroduction1What This Book Is About32A Beginning Point: Ten Things You May Not Know About Testifying8IITestimony: Narrative and Style3Bridges 1: Telling a Story on the Stand164Bridges 2: Narrative Techniques for Courtroom Testimony225More Yin, Less Yang296Imagery to Reduce Anxiety337Reversals378Position and Alignment419Witness Preparation and Videotape Feedback4510Hypercorrect and Personal Speech5011Metaphors in Testimony5612Pretentiousness6213Overconfidence6514Smung and They Don't Know It6815Suspicion-Evoking Testimony7216Visible Displays of Emotion 17717Visible Displays of Emotion 28218Repetitions8519Pocket Men and Quarterbacks9020Defining Moments9421Trivial Revenge9822Lies10323Anticipate Tactics of the Adversarial Attorney11224Bullying Attorneys11825Involuntary Disclosure of Forensic Self12326Gendered Invasion of Witness Privacy12627Physical Threats13128Ingratiation134IIIExpertise and Bases for Testimony29Transcripts of Problem Depositions14230When Unprepared14531Translations14932Empathy Dilemmas15433Headline Testimony15834Distrusting Experts16435Lawyer Intrusions16836Clear Boundaries of Testimony17237(Not) Offering Advice17638Token Experts18139Expert Panels18440Yes or No Demands18841Clients Next Door19342More Pulls to Extrapolate19643Echo Effects19944Familiar Presentation of Famous Studies20345Highly Paid, Well-Known Experts20646Surprise Demands21047The Tough and Tangential Cross-Examination21648Data Errors22149Cross-Examinations About Tests22450Sexual Predator Testimony 1: Principles22851Sexual Predator Testimony 2: Challenges to the Construct23352Actuarial Testimony238References243About the Author249
\ Reviewer: Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)\ Description: This book successfully provides both a foundation and a model for the expert witness while also attempting to alleviate the stress and uncertainty of testifying.\ Purpose: The purpose is to examine the psychology behind cross-examination, how one is to think on the stand, which words should be used and which need to be avoided, and the interplay between attorney and witness. The author presents the issue of testifying in the hopes that the reader's fear will be alleviated and ultimately be mastered. In a litigious society, this book is quite timely and meets not only the author's objectives, but quite possibly the field of psychology.\ Audience: Basically, any professional who has served or will be serving as an expert witness will benefit from this well written book. Mainly, both clinical and forensic psychologists and psychiatrists will find this book invaluable. The author's credibility and knowledge of the field of forensic psychology and the legal system is without question. He brings years of real world clinical and academic experience to this book.\ Features: The book seems to cover every possible aspect of testifying in court from addressing body language, speech, and metaphors in testimony, overconfidence, and lies. Quite timely, is the author's discussion of the various professional dilemmas and boundaries. Many clinician experts will appreciate the tips for dealing with adversarial attorneys while on the stand. Overall, this book benefits from the short, concise chapters and stands out as a solid reference for one to refer to in the future.\ Assessment: Stanley Brodsky has made a substantial worthwhile contribution to the field of mental health with this well written compilation of advice and knowledge for the expert witness. Truly a stand-alone book that deserves to be read by all clinicians who have or will be testifying in court.\ \ \ 4 Stars! from Doody\ \
