Mitigating Brain Damage

Does the defendant suffer from brain damage? What is the nature of that brain damage, and how does it reflect in specific functional deficits? Does brain damage affect the defendant’s understanding of the consequences of his or her actions? A prevalence of brain damage claims among the forensic population indicates the growing need for neuropsychological assessment in criminal law. Neuropsychology experts of The Forensic Panel have the experience in testing instruments that reflect upon the overt and more subtle presentation of brain damage, and have the sophistication to place these testing findings in a clinical context. Does brain damage affect that person’s life in any way that the court should appreciate as mitigating?

The Forensic Panel’s neuropsychology experts assess a defendant’s brain functioning as it relates to one’s behavior using a battery of neuropsychological tests and carefully gathered history from an array of sources. These experts address the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional issues that arise from brain damage in order to better inform judicial decision-making. Our pioneering peer-review ensures carefully chosen and properly administered, scored, and interpreted neuropsychological testing. The Forensic Panel’s experts use this oversight to refine a work product that accounts for nuances in interpretation and important variables to arrive at an objective “last word” on possible brain damage and its impact. The implications of the findings of such examinations warrant an assessment of the highest integrity and scientific certainty.