Cross-Examining Psych Doctors-Tip #22-Stick to Questioning the Report

A common mistake made by attorneys when cross-examining a psych doctor is asking questions about the patient.  The only relevant information is the content of the doctor’s report.  Unfortunately, if the attorney asks about the patient, the doctor is free to provide information that is not in their report that may justify their conclusions.  Obviously, that information may be correct for a variety of reasons. However, if the attorney confines their questions to the contents of the report no “new evidence” can find its way into the testimony. More help can be found at my website (www.drleckartwetc.com) and in my book Psychological Evaluations In Litigation: A Practical Guide for Attorneys and Insurance Adjusters