Forensic Neuropsychologist In Los Angeles Does Testing For Criminal Court Cases

By Miranda Sweeney


The individual who wants to work as a forensic neuropsychologist must be a licensed psychologist. Knowledge of clinical neuropsychology is necessary and knowledge of the law helpful. Each forensic neuropsychologist in Los Angeles works with litigants who are being charged with a crime.

An individual is licensed to practice psychology before performing this type of testing. There is additional training at the formal graduate level for one who wishes to be board certified. Board certification indicates qualifications that are of the highest level in that field.

The task of this professional is evaluating litigants facing criminal charges in a court of law. It is an extensive and sometimes lasts for three days. The final report indicates state of mind the accused is trying to fake insanity. Many alleged criminals will try to fool the examiner to evade conviction.

Working with criminals for the attorney provides the relevant information. The tests reveal any brain disorder, whether neurological or non-neurological. The request for testing to be done is made by the prosecuting or defense attorney. These tests are used in the medical field also.

It is intended to show whether someone is afflicted with brain abnormalities. The same principles are applied to show whether someone is malingering or trying to pretend insanity to avoid prison time. If insane the criminal is sent to a hospital for the criminally insane instead.

A person working in this capacity would have a strong interest in the practice of criminal law. Most of the individuals being evaluated are charged with vicious crimes. Murder, including death penalty cases is one example.

Test results are intended to assist attorneys and judges in dealing with a crime case. In the case of an appeal to a higher court, the litigant has already been convicted and is serving time in prison. The appeal is made to overturn the conviction for one of a variety of reasons.

Evaluating criminals and possibly testifying in court is a source of higher income for any psychologist. There are specific things that should be part of the testing. A few of these are reviewing social adjustment and ability to maintain employment.

A serious malady such as borderline personality disorder is often found. Many of these alleged criminals are psychopaths, individuals with no concern for the feelings of their victim. These are not valid excuses since they do not meet the requirements of legal insanity. Insanity and legal insanity differ in several ways.

The testing may be exhausting, often lasting for more than two days. Cognitive ability is evaluated. Other areas of interest are perception, large and small motor skills and coordination. The attention span is checked for visual or auditory acuity.

In addition the presence of an emotional disorder can be verified. If there is a learning disability it may have resulted in impaired judgement. All levels of skills are important.

These are tested and evaluated and a final report is compiled. The forensic neuropsychologist may then appear in court as an expert witness. The litigant is usually being charged with a violent crime such as kidnapping, rape or murder. It is an awesome responsibility to aid in convicting one of these allegedly dangerous individuals. Innocence can be indicated as well.




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