Psychiatrists in the Hot Seat: Discrediting Doctors by Impeachment of Their Credibility

[摘要] Attacks on the credibility of the psychiatric expert witness are termed impeachment . This article provides an in-depth review of the various impeachment techniques used by lawyers during cross-examination and offers specific suggestions to the psychiatric expert witness on how to prepare for and counter some of these trial ploys. Bolstering and rehabilitation of the expert`s credibility are also discussed. Finally, improper use of impeachment tactics is also considered. Excerpts from trial transcripts and court opinions are supplied to illustrate these points. Although impeachment remains a formidable weapon in the lawyer`s armamentarium, it is suggested that the well-prepared and experienced psychiatric expert witness will be more than equal to the task.

[学科分类] 儿科学

[关键词] Phytophthora cinnamomi;soil moisture;soil water table