NCJ Number
105788
Journal
Forensic Science International Volume: 34 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (May-June 1987) Pages: 29-38
Date Published
1987
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The 94 cases of aggressive offenders appearing between 1975 and 1982 in West Berlin juvenile courts were subject to analysis to determine the differences in the form of the expert testimony given in each case.
Abstract
Forensic psychologists appeared in only 8 percent of the larceny offenses and in approximately 11 percent of the robbery and sexual offenses, but they participated in almost all capital crimes trials. Thirteen variables were used in the analysis. Ratings on the quality of 49 psychiatric letters were based on the semantic differential technique. Factor analysis revealed three independent aspects determining the quality of expert opinion: 'cogency of message,' 'role conception,' and 'recipient-orientation.' 2 tables and 8 references. (Author abstract modified)