"This book is a rare find—a solo-authored work addressing an area of practice that is increasingly important to neuropsychologists. A prolific author, Boone has succeeded in directly and consistently imparting practical information on the involvement of clinical neuropsychologists in civil litigation. This book overflows with clinical wisdom learned the hard way, and is also squarely in keeping with today's emphasis on evidence-based practice. Boone presents exactly the kind of worldview and perspective that I try to instill in my residents."—Jerry J. Sweet, PhD, ABPP, NorthShore University HealthSystem; Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
"This book is not just a great resource for neuropsychologists—it should be read by every practicing forensic psychologist. Boone covers all of the 'hot topics' in forensic assessment in a logical, well-balanced, and most readable fashion. For example, her reviews of the assessment of malingering and posttraumatic stress disorder in forensic practice are spot on."—Jeffrey N. Younggren, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Professor, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; risk management consultant, American Psychological Association Insurance Trust
"From one of our most important author-researchers in forensic neuropsychology, this book delineates major issues facing neuropsychologists who engage in forensic practice. Boone provides an impressive level of detail, with an emphasis on examining symptom and performance validity. The studies that form the empirical foundation for her approach are comprehensively discussed. Essential reading for all who are interested in this area of practice."—Kevin J. Bianchini, PhD, ABPN, Jefferson Neurobehavioral Group, Metairie, Louisiana
"The book delivers on the promise of its title—it is both rich with clinically focused guidance and grounded in the growing empirical evidence base. The linkage of practical information and published research makes this volume ideally suited to serve as a general reference for forensic neuropsychologists and a text for postdoctoral and graduate trainees."—Yossef S. Ben-Porath, PhD, Department of Psychology, Kent State University
"Boone is widely recognized as an exemplary scientist-practitioner, making her optimally qualified to author this book. The book is unique in presenting a framework for conducting a forensic examination and providing sworn testimony, with a focus on civil practice. Boone's description of the evaluation process is linked to research and published professional standards to provide a basis for empirically grounded practice. The analyses of actual cases and critiques of opposing expert reports are also helpful. This book is a valuable resource for forensic practitioners at all levels, and is well suited as a text for an advanced graduate or postdoctoral seminar in forensic neuropsychology."—Glenn J. Larrabee, PhD, ABPP, ABCN, independent practice, Sarasota, Florida
Reviewer: Christopher J Graver, PhD, ABPP-CN(Madigan Healthcare System)
Description: Forensic neuropsychology has been a booming field of interest in recent years with numerous books published on the topic. This is the latest entry from a well-known name in the field.
Purpose: The aim is to provide clinicians with practice guidance on the entire forensic evaluation process from the pretest interview to cross-examination.
Audience: This book is intended specifically for neuropsychologists involved in forensic cases or who would like to become involved in the legal arena. Students of the discipline also will find it helpful, given its broad level of applicability. The author is a well-known and published authority on many of the issues the book addresses.
Features: An introduction to the test process begins the book, with immediate, practical advice and resources for use in practice, such as a sample letter to attorneys asking for a list of tests ahead of time. The book hits the major issues in forensic work, such as use of technicians, third-party observers, and use of older tests. The importance of response bias is covered in quite some detail. On the positive side, the book thoroughly covers symptom validity and performance validity testing with a very useful table of common cutoffs and their sensitivity and specificity. However, much of this information is also available in another book edited by Dr. Boone (Assessment of Feigned Cognitive Impairment: A Neuropsychological Perspective (Guilford Press, 2007)), creating some redundancy for readers who own both. This book discusses issues with test interpretation and report writing that are salient and critical, and includes sample reports. Nevertheless, some of these examples could be construed as coaching, misleading, or breaching test security, and a more balanced discussion of when and where this type of presentation might be necessary in the courtroom could help allay some of this initial concern. The book finishes with an excellent review of common myths and ways to debunk them on the stand, followed by guidance regarding testimony with sample transcripts with potential ways to reply to court inquiries.
Assessment: Overall, this is an excellent resource on forensic practice in neuropsychology. What sets it apart from other books on the topic is its practical guidance and functional examples, essentially walking readers through the process from start to finish.
