What is Forensic Neuropsychology?
Neuropsychologists often utilize the applied analysis of brain-behavior relationships to answer specific questions within the law or disability communities. For example, a neuropsychologist might be involved in an analysis of limitations from a stroke to help a disability company determine whether the claimant is disabled from his particular career position. An attorney might engage a neuropsychologist to determine if the claimant’s head injury from an auto accident led to brain damage that decreased her functioning. A challenge to a will might require a neuropsychological autopsy to discover/develop evidence regarding testamentary capacity at the time of execution of the will. In the criminal courts, a neuropsychologist would be engaged to determine whether a defendant’s presentation of mental retardation in an Atkins case validly meets the legal requirements determined by the state.