Forensic Neuropsychology

Abstract

Forensic neuropsychology refers to professional practice by a psychologist applying their specialised expertise in brain–behaviour relationships to assist in legal, contractual, and administrative matters. As such, forensic neuropsychology can be conceptualised as a subdiscipline of psychology that is significantly informed by the allied fields of clinical neuropsychology and forensic psychology. Legally, expert testimony by neuropsychologists appears to meet established admissibility standards in the United States. Neuropsychology also has a clear and growing role in multiple forensic settings, including many civil and administrative processes as well as increasingly in criminal legal decision-making. Forensic neuropsychology benefits from multiple sources of ethical guidance, including standards established for the entire field of psychology as well as more specific guidance from authorities in forensic psychology and clinical neuropsychology. The scientific nature of forensic neuropsychology is considered one of its most defining features, exemplified by its hypothesis-driven approach incorporating a number of scientifically validated methods and tests. Finally, forensic neuropsychology is well supported by a large and growing body of practice literature, encompassing works specific to forensic neuropsychology as well as relevant publications from clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, and other relevant fields. The regularity of several topics in this literature base suggests important practical and clinical foundations for practitioners of forensic neuropsychology. A complete listing of this literature base, as well as discussion of relevant peer-reviewed journals, professional organisations, and relevant policy statements, is provided to guide further exploration of this rapidly developing specialisation.