Citation

Perr IN. Bull. Am. Acad. Psychiatry Law 1990; 18(2): 143-151.

Affiliation

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2372575

Abstract

Some psychiatrists misuse theoretical concepts beyond their generally accepted dimensions in an attempt to support a conclusion favorable to a litigant or defendant. In the case presented, the concept of identification with the aggressor was used in an attempt to eliminate or minimize the effect of a confession and to buttress the claim that the confession itself was false. Quotations from the actual reports and testimony are used to reflect both this tactic and the context in which these issues were pursued, including a rather startling admission by the psychiatrist dealing with the thoroughness of his professional effort. A brief history of "identification with the aggressor" is presented, a history which contrasts with its application to rather routine police questioning. Similarly, skepticism is clearly merited when a psychitrist testifies as to truthfulness or falsity of a statement.

Language: en