Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Lawyering and Psychological Research

BY David A. Martindale
December 31, 2013

Model Standard 4.6(b) of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts' Model Standards of Practice for Child Custody Evaluation [Family Court Review, 45:1, 70'91] urges evaluators “to utilize and make reference to pertinent peer-reviewed published research in the preparation of their reports.” If I were to assert that research shows that, since the publication of the Model Standards, in 2007, more evaluators are citing research in their reports, I would expect to be asked what research I am alluding to. There is none.

Research Support

In reading transcripts of deposition testimony by evaluators, it is not uncommon to encounter allusions to research support for positions taken by the evaluators. Often, no amplification is sought by the deposing attorney. Far more often than not, there are tactical advantages to challenging assertions of research support, and no corresponding tactical disadvantages. If an adverse witness is thoroughly familiar with the relevant research, and if that research does, in fact, support opinions expressed by the evaluator, it is better to learn this in the course of a deposition than to see the evaluator's knowledge on display for the first time at trial. If, on the other hand, the evaluator is engaging in testimonial improvisation or if the research alluded to is flawed, this is best determined at deposition.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Yachts, Jets, Horses & Hooch: Specialized Commercial Leasing Models Image

Defining commercial real estate asset class is essentially a property explaining how it identifies — not necessarily what its original intention was or what others think it ought to be. This article discusses, from a general issue-spot and contextual analysis perspective, how lawyers ought to think about specialized leasing formats and the regulatory backdrops that may inform what the documentation needs to contain for compliance purposes.

Hyperlinked Documents: The Latest e-Discovery Challenge Image

As courts and discovery experts debate whether hyperlinked content should be treated the same as traditional attachments, legal practitioners are grappling with the technical and legal complexities of collecting, analyzing and reviewing these documents in real-world cases.

Identifying Your Practice's Differentiator Image

How to Convey Your Merits In a Way That Earns Trust, Clients and Distinctions Just as no two individuals have the exact same face, no two lawyers practice in their respective fields or serve clients in the exact same way. Think of this as a "Unique Value Proposition." Internal consideration about what you uniquely bring to your clients, colleagues, firm and industry can provide untold benefits for your law practice.

Risks and Ad Fraud Protection In Digital Advertising Image

The ever-evolving digital marketing landscape, coupled with the industry-wide adoption of programmatic advertising, poses a significant threat to the effectiveness and integrity of digital advertising campaigns. This article explores various risks to digital advertising from pixel stuffing and ad stacking to domain spoofing and bots. It will also explore what should be done to ensure ad fraud protection and improve effectiveness.

Turning Business Development Plans Into Reality Image

This article offers practical insights and best practices to navigate the path from roadmap to rainmaking, ensuring your business development efforts are not just sporadic bursts of activity, but an integrated part of your daily success.