Citation

Rogers RY, Jackson RL. J. Am. Acad. Psychiatry Law 2005; 33(4): 523-528.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, PO Box 311280, Denton, TX 76203-1280. rogers_1@hotmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, Publisher American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16394230

Abstract

Forensic experts are increasingly asked to consult in sexually violent predator (SVP) determinations. The substantive criteria for SVP standards vary substantially across jurisdictions, but typically include complex judgments regarding volitional impairment and predictive statements focused specifically on sexual violence. A common but questionable practice is the retrofitting of generic risk-assessment measures to address SVP criteria. The marked deficiencies of these measures in addressing the relevant questions, coupled with their methodological limitations, are noted. SVP determinations demand rigorous evaluations of relevant factors that are buttressed by empirically validated methods.