Expert Witness Guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology

These updated guidelines should be of interest to psychiatrists who do forensic work.

Psychiatrists and neurologists often provide medical expert testimony during many kinds of court proceedings. The American Academy of Neurology has updated its guidelines from 1989, with the warning that a neurologist who is a member of the AAN and who “violates these provisions is subject to disciplinary action. . . .”

The guidelines list the elements of medical expert testimony, which are familiar to all who engage in these activities. The guidelines specify the qualifications of a medical expert, including board certification, as well as practice or teaching experience. A unique statement is made regarding experts who spend more than 20% of their professional time in medicolegal activities; these experts must be able to demonstrate unbias…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan M. Silver, MD