RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Commentary: Observations and Concerns on the Bigendering of Our Forensic Fields
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 498
OP 501
VO 40
IS 4
A1 Roy Lacoursiere
YR 2012
UL http://jaapl.org/content/40/4/498.abstract
AB The study by Neal et al. of mock jurors in the penalty phase of a homicide case led me to observations on gender changes over the past few decades in the professions of law and forensic psychiatry and psychology. From an earlier paucity of women in these professions, today their percentages have greatly increased. Yet, as in this study, there are differences that work to the advantage of men in how the genders are perceived as expert witnesses. Suggestions for addressing gender discrepancy are offered, along with a cautionary note, such as in the area of experts in cases involving abortion.