The third edition of this classic resource provides mental health professionals with pithy, practical advice for testifying in court with the same wit and whimsy and a revamped structure.

A one-stop guide to testifying in court for mental health professionals Even the most seasoned mental health professionals can find themselves unnerved by the prospect of appearing in court, especially when presented with it for the first time. Those in the mental health field usually have no formal preparation for testifying in court, even though they often play an important part in many types of cases. The Portable Guide to Testifying in Court for Mental Health Professionals provides a concise yet comprehensive guide for practitioners preparing to appear in court. The authors employ their combined decades of legal work in the mental health field to provide a clear, no-nonsense handbook of what to expect, how to prepare, and what to look out for when testifying in court. Along with a general introduction to courts and the legal system, the text details topics such as: * Testifying both as an expert and involuntary witness * Protecting clients when bringing therapy into testimony * Preparing for testimony * Tips to use and lawyers' tricks to look out for when testifying in court Throughout the book, Bernstein and Hartsell use detailed case studies to provide specific examples. In addition, "legal light bulbs" offer important tips and facts, and appendices list relevant Web resources and provide common legal forms. A one-of-a-kind resource, The Portable Guide to Testifying in Court for Mental Health Professionals gives a complete view of your role in courtroom proceedings, offering a vital tool for both legal and mental health practices.

Interacting with the legal system can be stressful and intimidating for mental health professionals. This trusted book provides user-friendly strategies to help clinicians prepare for testimony in court and other legal proceedings. Using vivid case scenarios, the author explains legal terms and offers practical suggestions for avoiding pitfalls and managing ethical dilemmas. Clear guidelines are presented for record keeping, responding to subpoenas, preparing reports, and performing effectively on the stand as a fact witness or expert witness. Reproducible agreements and other sample documentation can be photocopied from the appendices or downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. New to This Edition * Incorporates updates in research, case law, statutes, and practice. * Examines the developing role of mental health professionals as forensic consultants. * Increased attention to ethical issues, such as dual relationships, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and competence. * An appendix with reflection questions that extend the scope of each chapter. * Explores special issues that may arise in cases involving children * Supplemental materials for course use--including an instructor's manual--are available at the author's website.

The original. The classic. This pocket-sized manual tells you what to expect when you go to court, and how to do your best when you testify. Whether you a are party to a lawsuit, accused of a crime, wn eyewitness or an expert witness, this book can help you testify more effectively. Easy-to-read you know about something and it offers tips, techniques and warnings to get you through your testimony comfortably and off the stand quickly.This is must reading for people who must testify for any reason. Originally written by a trial lawyer and law professor as a guide for his clients and witnesses, the Hip-Pocket Guide became popular among other attorneys. The internet edition is used for training by governmental and police agencies from coast to coast in training their people who testify. This Amazon.com selection is the first true pocket-sized edition of this long-popular booklet. This is a quick read, chock full of information, with a few smiles thrown in.

A Law Enforcement Officer's Guide to Testifying in Court takes the fear and mystery out of courtroom proceedings as Vukelic offers practical advice on testifying in court. Officers are shown how to become excellent witnesses by knowing what to anticipate during cross-examination, the tricks used by lawyers at trial, and much more. This book offers information gained from discussions with thousands of jurors and scores of attorneys, observations from the bench, and other research. It is peppered with examples, many of them excerpted from actual trials. Vukelic shows officers how to shine on cross-examination, use courtroom rules to their advantage, improve their communication skills, and handle depositions. He also describes trial procedures from an insider's viewpoint as he takes readers through every step of the judicial process--from writing an arrest report through trial. Whether an officer has never been to court or has testified dozens of times, A Law Enforcement Officer's Guide to Testifying in Court will improve his or her ability to communicate with, and persuade, a judge and jury. "Being a witness is never easy. Being a witness for the first time is painful... A Law Enforcement Officer's Guide to Testifying in Court provides substantial guidance to those who are unfamiliar with testifying... Although the outcome of my first trial was positive, I am certain that I would have been a more comfortable and more effective witness had I read this book prior to appearing in court." -- Tom "Tad" Hughes, University of Louisville, Criminal Justice Review, Spring 2004

"Monty's Day in Court" shows young people they have the power to bring about change for themselves and others. Monty's story serves as a tool for children in learning resilience and as an aid for those on the front lines helping young people through challenging times. The book follows 10-year-old Monty's journey as he learns it is ok to be upset about his experiences and works through his feelings with his therapist. After he is subpoenaed to testify, caring adults help him understand what will happen in court and the support he will have throughout the process. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are costly. They include experiences such as abuse or growing up while a parent is incarcerated. The economic and social costs to families, communities and society totals hundreds of billions of dollars each year. For children, ACEs can have life-long consequences. Interventions and professional support go a long way in addressing ACEs, providing both short and long-term safety nets for vulnerable children."Monty's Day in Court" assists therapists, court programs, social workers, teachers, law enforcement, attorneys and parents in helping children better understand the process of testifying in court and reduce the traumatic impact of the experience. Author Jessica Miles is a former foster parent who writes about her family's experiences. Illustrator Gina Dee is a foster parent and has written books about trauma and foster care. Reviews"Being called to testify in a courtroom is unsettling for any individual. This experience is exponentially impactful for a traumatized child. As an elementary principal, this book is an invaluable tool to have on site to better support students who face a similar situation." Deb Ganderton, Principal, McKinley Elementary School"It's a great tool and for a great cause." Vanessa Dudley-Miller, State Director, Kansas Court-Appointed Special Advocates"This book is excellent! I loved all of it, but especially the definitions of the different courtroom characters. The descriptions of the gamut of emotions a child goes through were excellent." Patricia Robles, Social Worker