Neuropsychology and the Law

When the legal system requires neuropsychological assessments, it frequently puts neuropsychology itself on trial. Indeed, in personal injury litigation - a very visible area of neuropsychology as it relates to the legal field - the validity of judgements (medical and legal) and the competence of persons become extraordinarily important issues. New neuropsychological techniques emerge as new legislation develops and, while attorneys question the truth of neuropsychological findings, neuropsychologists look at the legal system in a creative and critical way. Neuropsychologists seek to augment and refine traditional assessment tools in response to the complex demands made by the court system. In testimony, neuropsychologists are asked to present complex scientific findings in a language that is not overly technical and not prone to misinterpretation. This book explores many areas of contact between the legal and the neuropsychological fields, and it should interest neurologists, neuropsychologists, and neurosurgeons, as well as members of the legal profession. This monograph on neuropsychology, clinical psychology and civil law is intended for professionals.