Grisso (2010): Guidance for Improving Forensic Reports
Suggestions by mental health experts & Lawyers
Use multiple sources of information
include data that are relevant for the forensic issues
Consider and explain alternative opinions
obtain (identify) appropriate authorization to perform the evaluation
Attribute sources of information when describing facts
use a logical outline for organizing reports
Remember audience includes non-clinical individuals,
Offer important interpretations when 2 data pieces of information support inference
Factors mentioned in Reviewer's critique
Introductory material
Provide accurate information on the examinee's identity and date of evaluation
describe manner in which the examinee was informed of the purpose of the evaluation and limits of confidentiality
list all data sources
Clearly state the legal standard
Organization and Style
report data in data section, opinions in opinion section
Inference and opinion section should not include "new" data
Data Reporting
Psychological Test Reporting
When data is collected from prior psych testing, report only the necessary data, or forensic relevant data
Explain scores and offer explanations of their normative meaning, but not necessarily the attributes of the examinee
Interpretations and Opinions
Identify alternative interpretations that might be considered, explain how the data were used to weigh these interpretations against the opinion you are offering
Most Frequent Faults in Forensic Report Writing
Opinions without sufficient explanations
Forensic Purpose unclear
failure to consider alternative opinions
think about offering alternative opinions in the conclusion
Data & Interpretation mixed
List every phone call made