The Forensic Institute provides a full range of consultative services to private attorneys, the courts, various administrative law bodies and governmental agencies, where evaluation and mental health information are relevant. Established in 1988, the former Division of Forensic Psychiatry is the oldest, most experienced provider of forensic psychiatric services in the state.
A medical expert in forensic psychiatry is a physician who has the clinical experience and academic training to form an expert, objective medical opinion to a reasonable degree of medical certainty. The forensic psychiatrist evaluates the mental and emotional factors that are often most relevant to a particular legal contest. This process occurs through clinical interviews, record analysis and psychological and medical testing to formulate an independent and objective opinion. An expert opinion is then thoroughly and effectively communicated by written report, deposition and, if necessary, courtroom testimony.
Our program is directed by Tonia Werner, M.D., and Richard Greer, M.D. Our faculty and complementary experts possess an impressive range and depth of experience and expertise in forensic psychiatry and supporting disciplines,.
Expert Testimony
We believe the first requirement of an expert witness is to be a skilled and knowledgeable clinician with the ability to provide objective and insightful assessments of a variety of individuals in a variety of settings, and the ability to work collaboratively for either the plaintiff or defendant.
The second requirement for an expert witness is to be a teacher. Our experts have demonstrated their excellence in persuasively translating their knowledge in an understandable and impartial fashion to court professionals and lay persons alike.
An expert witness must educate the attorneys with regard to the relevant psychiatry in the case. If that case proceeds to trial, our expert witnesses can conscientiously inform the court and jury with regard to their opinions, as well as the foundations for these opinions.
Inherent in our participation is a genuine interest in the field, a seasoned understanding of the role of an expert, and support of the disciplines of client confidentiality, deposition strategies, court testimony and the desire to exceed expectations for documentation and thorough reporting.