Psychologists and Ultimate Issue Testimony Discussion Questions

1) Should psychologists be required to give ultimate issue testimony opinions in their testimony regarding risk assessment? Explain the implications this could have on a psychologist’s credibility. Remember, giving an ultimate opinion means that the psychologist is testifying that a person is or is not insane, dangerous, etc. If a psychologist gives this opinion rather than speaking in generalities based on their research, the psychologist may be held liable if their ultimate issue opinion testimony is incorrect.

2) Is a psychologist an advocate when he or she responds to an appeal in a death penalty case? Should a psychologist, who must follow APA’s ethical code (http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx be permitted to assess the competency of a defendant to be executed?