AAFP: Evidence-Based Evaluation of Criminal Responsibility
6 hours | 6 CEs
This on-demand professional training program on Evidence-Based Evaluations of Criminal Responsibility is presented by Terry Kukor, PhD, ABPP, in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).
This program focuses on assessing a defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense as it relates to issues of criminal responsibility (sanity).
Specific topics include practical Assessment of the defendant’s understanding of the nature, quality, and wrongfulness of their behavior; objective and subjective standards of moral wrongfulness; evidentiary basis for inferences about wrongfulness; amnesia and sanity; using collateral information; psychological testing in criminal responsibility evaluations; the relationship between symptoms and mental state at the time of the alleged offense; dealing with complications (e.g., denial of involvement in the alleged offense); accounting for contradictory data; formulating opinions; and malingering in criminal responsibility evaluations.
A practice model for the Assessment of criminal responsibility is introduced, emphasizing gathering and evaluating the evidence necessary to address the functional legal capacities in question. Practical report writing strategies are reviewed as well. Clinical cases and vignettes provide participants with valuable opportunities to apply the conceptual framework to case detail in criminal responsibility evaluations.
Intended Audience
This on-demand professional training program is intended for mental health and other allied professionals
Experience Level
This on-demand professional training program is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.
CE / CPD Credit
APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC Click here for state and other regional board approvals.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program you will be able to:
Describe legal principles relevant to the evaluation of criminal responsibility (sanity)
Describe a conceptual framework for evaluating legal sanity
Describe questions designed to elicit “big picture” and “behavioral detail” data pertinent to evaluation of criminal responsibility evaluations
Describe examples of evidence that can be used to support an opinion about sanity
Describe effective techniques for bridging clinical and behavioral data with relevant legal principles
Describe how bias can interfere with objective consideration of diversity factors (e.g., race, culture, sexual orientation, etc.) in the evaluation of criminal responsibility
Describe the conceptual framework to forensic case examples
Presented By
Terry Kukor, PhD, ABPP
Terry Kukor, Ph.D., ABPP, is board-certified in forensic psychology, and is a Senior Forensic Psychologist at the Netcare Forensic Center. Dr. Kukor has specialized in criminal forensic evaluation for more than 30 years, during which time he has also done violence risk and threat assessment. He teac...
Curriculum
1. Introduction
2. Deconstructing Commonly Found Terms
3. Mental Disease and Defects
4. Case Presentation 1
5. Keys to an Evidence-Based Sanity Evaluation
6. Pertinent Questions
7. Assessment of Capacity to Conform
8. Cultural Competency in Forensic Assessment
9. Presenting the Opinion
Develop a Specialty Area of Practice
Transforming mental health professionals into experts
Expert Instructors
Professional training developed and delivered by the field's leading experts
CE Credit
Earn CE credit for meaningful professional training that will elevate your practice
Convenience & Flexibility
Learn at your own pace, from wherever you might be!
Program Partner
American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)
We are proud to partner with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) for this training. AAFP is a non-profit organization of board-certified forensic psychologists whose mission is to contribute to the development and maintenance of forensic psychology as a specialized field of study, research, and practice. The Academy does this by providing high-quality continuing education workshops, providing a forum for the exchange of scientific information among its members, and conferring awards upon outstanding students and practitioners in the field of forensic psychology.
