RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Trading Forensic and Family Commitments JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law SP 533 OP 546 VO 24 IS 4 A1 Adam J. Kearney A1 Thomas G. Gutheil A1 Michael L. Commons YR 1996 UL http://jaapl.org/content/24/4/533.abstract AB This pilot study explores the balancing of conflicting family and forensic commitments among forensic experts. Drawing upon consumer preference theory and behavioral economics, the authors devised an instrument to elicit choices between upholding family commitments and professional commitments. The instrument was administered to 15 forensic experts, and the data were used to construct trading functions for each individual. These functions were examined to reveal the decision-making process behind balancing conflicting sets of commitments. The study also examined the relationship between the trading functions and each participant's attitude toward the role of the expert witness, as well as some personal characteristics.