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Dr. Terry Kukor explains how relevancy-focused reports shift forensic writing from procedure-based sections to findings-based answers. Learn practical filters for what belongs in a report, how to reduce cognitive strain, and why addressing disconfirming data strengthens credibility.

Dr. Terry Kukor explains how relevancy-focused reports shift forensic writing from procedure-based sections to findings-based answers. Learn practical filters for what belongs in a report, how to reduce cognitive strain, and why addressing disconfirming data strengthens credibility.

Sharon Kelley, J.D., Ph. D., joins Forensic Briefs to discuss the national competency crisis, rising incompetence rates, and how states handle misdemeanor defendants. She explores statutory variations, system pressures, and how mental health, houselessness, and limited resources drive this growing challenge.

Sharon Kelley, J.D., Ph. D., joins Forensic Briefs to discuss the national competency crisis, rising incompetence rates, and how states handle misdemeanor defendants. She explores statutory variations, system pressures, and how mental health, houselessness, and limited resources drive this growing 

Dr. Stanley Brodsky joins us for part two of our deep dive into expert testimony, offering practical guidance on communicating clearly, handling challenging attorneys, and maintaining professional credibility in court. He discusses psychological influences on juror decision-making, the pitfalls evaluators face when testifying, and how experts can prepare ethically and effectively. This episode pro...

Andi Brierley joins Forensic Briefs to discuss his journey from incarceration to academia, exploring how lived experience informs desistance, peer mentorship, and rehabilitation. He highlights the power of credibility, connection, and rethinking “peer” roles in justice reform.

Andi Brierley joins Forensic Briefs to discuss his journey from incarceration to academia, exploring how lived experience informs desistance, peer mentorship, and rehabilitation. He highlights the power of credibility, connection, and rethinking “peer” roles in justice reform.

Professor Raquel Aldana joins Forensic Briefs to discuss the role of trauma, truth, and narrative in immigration law. She examines how forensic evaluations and storytelling shape asylum outcomes and why culturally sensitive, trauma-informed practices are essential.

Professor Raquel Aldana joins Forensic Briefs to discuss the role of trauma, truth, and narrative in immigration law. She examines how forensic evaluations and storytelling shape asylum outcomes and why culturally sensitive, trauma-informed practices are essential.

Professor Raquel Aldana explores how trauma and law intersect in the immigration system, examining how legal processes can both harm and heal—and how forensic mental health evaluations are reshaping justice for displaced and marginalized communities.

Professor Raquel Aldana explores how trauma and law intersect in the immigration system, examining how legal processes can both harm and heal—and how forensic mental health evaluations are reshaping justice for displaced and marginalized communities.

Dr. Michael Chafetz, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, explores the role of record reviews in forensic neuropsychology. He discusses how a Daubert challenge inspired him to co-author an AACN best practices article on the topic. The conversation highlights the importance of scientific rigor when conducting evaluations without direct examination, and how such practices can withstand lega...

Dr. Michael Chafetz is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist in private practice in New Orleans. He specializes in the validity of Social Security disability exams, especially in low-functioning claimants, and frequently serves as a court-appointed expert in litigated matters. His experiences, including a Daubert challenge related to record reviews, led to his co-authorship of an internatio...

Dr. Andrew Smith, Associate Professor of Cognitive Psychology at Iowa State University, delves into his research on eyewitness identification and the broader intersection of psychology and the legal system. He explains how memory and judgment affect decision-making and highlights his recent work on the importance of “inconclusive” eyewitness reports. With funding from major organizations and over...

Andrew M. Smith, Associate Professor at Iowa State University, studies memory, judgment, and decision-making—especially in legal contexts like eyewitness ID and deception. His research blends computational modeling and behavioral experiments and is widely published and federally funded. 

Dr. Lisa Drago explores the growing role of social media in forensic mental health evaluations. She discusses ethical considerations, challenges in interpretation, and the impact of online behavior on credibility, diagnosis, and risk assessments, offering valuable insights for professionals navigating this evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Lisa Drago explores the growing role of social media in forensic mental health evaluations. She discusses ethical considerations, challenges in interpretation, and the impact of online behavior on credibility, diagnosis, and risk assessments, offering valuable insights for professionals navigating this evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Lizzy Foster and Dr. Sharon Kelley discuss the ethical and legal challenges of providing feedback in forensic mental health assessments, offering a practical framework to help evaluators balance transparency, respect, and professional responsibilities. 

Dr. Lizzy Foster and Dr. Sharon Kelley discuss the ethical and legal challenges of providing feedback in forensic mental health assessments, offering a practical framework to help evaluators balance transparency, respect, and professional responsibilities.

Dr. Dave DeMatteo joins Forensic Briefs to discuss the history, revisions, and unexpected legal power of the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology. From their origins to future updates, he unpacks the ethical and legal stakes facing forensic psychologists—and why guidelines that were never meant to be enforceable, sometimes are.  

Dr. Dave DeMatteo joins Forensic Briefs to discuss the history, revisions, and unexpected legal power of the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology. From their origins to future updates, he unpacks the ethical and legal stakes facing forensic psychologists—and why guidelines that were never meant to be enforceable, sometimes are.