PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Buchanan, Alec
AU  - Norko, Michael
TI  - The Forensic Evaluation and Report: an Agenda for Research
DP  - 2013 Sep 01
TA  - Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
PG  - 359--365
VI  - 41
IP  - 3
4099  - http://jaapl.org/content/41/3/359.short
4100  - http://jaapl.org/content/41/3/359.full
SO  - J Am Acad Psychiatry Law2013 Sep 01; 41
AB  - The written report is a central component of forensic psychiatric practice. In the report, an evaluator assembles and organizes data, interprets results of an evaluation, and offers an opinion in response to legal questions. The past 30 years have seen substantial development in principles and practice of forensic report writing. Drawing on recent advances in the psychiatric report, the authors explore topics including narrative, forensic ethics, coercion within the justice system, and implications of limitations on data in forming forensic opinions. They offer an analysis of unanswered questions in these areas, suggesting opportunities for further empirical study and theoretical development. This proposed agenda is important in training, in the development of policy, and in establishing professional guidelines.