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Research ArticleARTICLES

The Use of Third-Party Information in Forensic Assessments: A Two-State Comparison

Kirk Heilbrun, Barry Rosenfeld, Janet Warren and Steven Collins
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online September 1994, 22 (3) 399-406;
Kirk Heilbrun
PhD
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Barry Rosenfeld
PhD
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Janet Warren
DSW
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Steven Collins
PhD
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Abstract

There is virtually no research on the normative characteristics of forensic mental health assessment, despite the significant increase in conceptual and empirical attention devoted to such assessment within the last 10 years. The present study addressed this deficit by examining the use of third-party information, a crucial component of forensic mental health assessment, by forensic clinicians in two states: Florida (a total of 277 evaluations on the issues of competency to stand trial and sanity at the time of the offense) and Virginia (316 evaluations addressing the same legal issues). Evaluations in each state were performed in either a community or a hospital setting. Basic information about the offense, records of prior mental health evaluation or treatment, and specific statements by victims or witnesses were the variables examined comprising “third-party information” in this study. More than three fourths of all evaluations across states and settings incorporated this information. There was less consistency in the use of mental health records and victim/witness statements, with significant differences observed across settings and states. Results are discussed in light of potential influences of state, setting, and study methodology.

  • Copyright © 1994, The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
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Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online: 22 (3)
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
Vol. 22, Issue 3
1 Sep 1994
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The Use of Third-Party Information in Forensic Assessments: A Two-State Comparison
Kirk Heilbrun, Barry Rosenfeld, Janet Warren, Steven Collins
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online Sep 1994, 22 (3) 399-406;

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The Use of Third-Party Information in Forensic Assessments: A Two-State Comparison
Kirk Heilbrun, Barry Rosenfeld, Janet Warren, Steven Collins
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online Sep 1994, 22 (3) 399-406;
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