Clinicians in Court: A Guide to Subpoenas, Depositions, Testifying, and Everything Else You Need to Know [Paperback]

Allan E. Barsky Phd (Author), Jonathan W. Gould Phd ABPP (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1593850166 | ISBN-13: 978-1593850166 | Publication Date: January 13, 2004 | Edition: 1

Mental health and human service professionals are often called on to give evidence or expert testimony in a range of circumstances, including family law and child welfare trials, mental health hearings, malpractice lawsuits, criminal trials, government hearings, and private arbitration. Interacting with the legal system poses many potential challenges, but adequate preparation and a basic understanding of legal processes and terminology can make the experience a more positive one. This volume provides practical information and proven guidelines to help clinicians from any background understand their role in legal proceedings-and participate effectively, ethically, and with minimal stress. Special features include helpful checklists and samples of affidavits, retainer agreements, and other materials that can be adapted for use in the reader's own practice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is not only a concise and helpful book for practitioners, it is also an excellent text for students in ethics and forensics courses. Written in accessible language, it is a valuable classroom resource."--Beverly Greene, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychology, St. John's University

"Writing in an informal, accessible style, the authors facilitate understanding of complex and confusing matters of law. Barsky and Gould's purpose is not to provide absolute answers to legal questions--as few exist--but to prepare the reader for the complicated role of being a witness in legal proceedings. To this end, they are marvelously successful. But the book does much more as well, providing meaningful insights into the mysteries and madness of the legal system. This book has become required reading for my graduate level course on social work and the law, and I believe no clinician should step up to the witness stand without having read it."--Kevin J. Corcoran, JD, PhD, Portland State University

"This is a unique and creative guide for the clinician entering the unfamiliar world of the courtroom. Rather than addressing a preconceived series of topics that are deemed relevant to practice, as many texts do, the authors are highly sensitive to the real questions clinicians have when called on to participate in legal proceedings, and organize their chapters accordingly. The book is very user-friendly, clearly written, and broad in scope. It will be useful to readers at many levels, from graduate students to seasoned clinicians."--David L. Shapiro, PhD, Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University

"This easy-to-read text offers the non-lawyer a useful guide to preparing for the difficult task of testifying in court. Using readily understandable language and examples, it is a 'must read' for potential witnesses who want to avoid embarrassment or legal problems. The authors have combined their many years of experience to produce a practical resource that will help practitioners present their opinions in a manner that will facilitate the fact-finding process."--Debra H. Lehrmann, Presiding Judge, 360th Judicial District of Texas, Tarrant County, Texas

About the Author

Allan E. Barsky, JD, MSW, PhD, is Professor of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University.

Jonathan W. Gould, PhD, ABPP, is in private practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he is a principal in the Charlotte Psychotherapy and Consultation Group.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (January 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593850166
• ISBN-13: 978-1593850166
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #214,892 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Law > Procedures & Litigation > Witnesses

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and helpful, November 7, 2003

By 

Eric G. Mart (Manchester, NH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clinicians in Court: A Guide to Subpoenas, Depositions, Testifying, and Everything Else You Need to Know (Hardcover)

Clinicians in Court is a clearly written, practical guide for therapists who find themselves drawn into the legal system. It provides a map for clinicians navigating the potentially risky terrain of the courts. The book cuts to the chase and provides much needed "how to" info in a manner that is very accessable to those who never intended to spend their time testifying in court, but find themselves in that position.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saved me, November 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Clinicians in Court: A Guide to Subpoenas, Depositions, Testifying, and Everything Else You Need to Know (Hardcover)

When I got a call from a lawyer, I didn't know what to do. I found this book online, and wow was I lucky. Lots of useful trips which kept me out of trouble. Thank you.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No trial and error, October 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Clinicians in Court: A Guide to Subpoenas, Depositions, Testifying, and Everything Else You Need to Know (Hardcover)

Very useful... helps when you need it most. Demystifies court processes. Takes the advantage away from lawyers when you're on the witness stand. Thanks.