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Dr. Michael Chafetz, a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, explores the role of record reviews in forensic neuropsychology. He discusses how a Daubert challenge inspired him to co-author an AACN best practices article on the topic. The conversation highlights the importance of scientific rigor when conducting evaluations without direct examination, and how such practices can withstand legal scrutiny. Dr. Chafetz also shares his experience in Social Security disability, FAA, and licensing board evaluations. 

Andrew M. Smith, Associate Professor at Iowa State University, studies memory, judgment, and decision-making—especially in legal contexts like eyewitness ID and deception. His research blends computational modeling and behavioral experiments and is widely published and federally funded. 

Dr. Andrew Smith, Associate Professor of Cognitive Psychology at Iowa State University, delves into his research on eyewitness identification and the broader intersection of psychology and the legal system. He explains how memory and judgment affect decision-making and highlights his recent work on the importance of “inconclusive” eyewitness reports. With funding from major organizations and over 30 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Smith offers a compelling look at the psychological factors influencing justice and forensic science. 

Dr. Lisa Drago explores the growing role of social media in forensic mental health evaluations. She discusses ethical considerations, challenges in interpretation, and the impact of online behavior on credibility, diagnosis, and risk assessments, offering valuable insights for professionals navigating this evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Lisa Drago explores the growing role of social media in forensic mental health evaluations. She discusses ethical considerations, challenges in interpretation, and the impact of online behavior on credibility, diagnosis, and risk assessments, offering valuable insights for professionals navigating this evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Lizzy Foster and Dr. Sharon Kelley discuss the ethical and legal challenges of providing feedback in forensic mental health assessments, offering a practical framework to help evaluators balance transparency, respect, and professional responsibilities.

Dr. Lizzy Foster and Dr. Sharon Kelley discuss the ethical and legal challenges of providing feedback in forensic mental health assessments, offering a practical framework to help evaluators balance transparency, respect, and professional responsibilities. 

Dr. Julie Goldenson joins us to explore how trauma-informed principles can enhance forensic mental health assessments. Drawing from her 2022 article, she discusses the ethical tensions evaluators face, how complex trauma shapes behavior, and why therapeutic jurisprudence offers a framework for minimizing harm. Dr. Goldenson explains how empathy, cultural awareness, and transparency can improve assessments—without compromising objectivity or forensic integrity.

Dr. Julie Goldenson joins us to explore how trauma-informed principles can enhance forensic mental health assessments. Drawing from her 2022 article, she discusses the ethical tensions evaluators face, how complex trauma shapes behavior, and why therapeutic jurisprudence offers a framework for minimizing harm. Dr. Goldenson explains how empathy, cultural awareness, and transparency can improve assessments—without compromising objectivity or forensic integrity. 

Dr. Dave DeMatteo joins Forensic Briefs to discuss the history, revisions, and unexpected legal power of the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology. From their origins to future updates, he unpacks the ethical and legal stakes facing forensic psychologists—and why guidelines that were never meant to be enforceable, sometimes are.