Description
Psychiatrists testify on a regular basis in depositions and trial, yet have few opportunities to perfect their skill in dealing with cross examination. The cross-examining attorney’s goal is to undermine the expert’s opinions by challenging the expert’s qualifications, methodology, reasoning, and objectivity. Attorneys are highly skilled cross examiners, given that attorneys receive trial advocacy instruction in law school and conduct cross examination regularly. In contrast, the novice expert often unwittingly falls victim to cross examination techniques, only to find their opinions distorted or discredited altogether. Withstanding cross examination is an important skill to develop, yet most psychiatrists are self-taught or have no training in this area. Psychiatrists rarely receive instruction from experienced experts about how to successfully negotiate the many pitfalls of cross examination. This workshop, taught by experienced forensic psychiatrists and expert witnesses, as well as a forensic psychiatrist/attorney, will illustrate: How attorneys’ think about and prepare for cross examination. The rules of evidence that govern cross examination. Specific cross examination techniques utilized by attorneys, including the wedge, trap, pan for gold, stretch-out, minimization, collateral cross examination, back-down, channeling, shading, dilemma, fake and undermining. Expert techniques to anticipate and counter cross examination efforts. Several examples of effective cross examination techniques. Audience participation will be achieved by the speakers presenting a number of written and/or video vignettes illustrating commonly used attorney cross examination techniques. The audience will be asked to identify the types of cross examination technique being illustrated and will suggest potential solutions to counter the cross-examination techniques. Additionally, audience members will participate in mock cross examination.
Format
Recorded webinar.
This content was recorded during the APA 2023 Annual Meeting.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how an attorney prepares for and executes cross examination of mental health professionals.
- Learn ten cross examination techniques commonly used by attorneys, and how to counter those techniques.
- Understand how to write forensic reports that minimize the potential for cross examination.
Target Audience
Medical Students, Residents/Fellows, Psychiatrists, non-psychiatrist Physicians
Estimate Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 1.5 hours
Program Start Date: May 1, 2025
Program End Date: May 1, 2028
How to Earn Credit
Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may do so after completing all sections of the course including the evaluation. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the completion date and hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, the American Psychiatric Association is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The APA designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity — including faculty, planners, reviewers or others — are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Instructors
- Stephen Noffsinger, MD
- Ashley VanDercar, JD, MD
- James Scott, MD
Planners
- Vishal Madaan, MD, Chief of Education and Deputy Medical Director at the American Psychiatric Association.
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. Please contact the American Psychiatric Association at 202-559-3900, if you require assistance seven (7) business days prior to the start of a live webinar.
Technical Requirements
This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:
- The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
- Internet Explorer 11+
This Web site requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player.
Optimal System Configuration:
- Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version)
- Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version)
- Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher
Minimum Requirements:
- Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
- Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity | Contact learningcenter@psych.org for technical assistance