Connecting Virtually With Psychiatry Expert Witnesses

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When presenting arguments during legal proceedings, the ability to answer questions about the state of mind often ends up being a key part of a case. Finding folks who can present these arguments from the perspective of a qualified medical professional, however, can be challenging, especially if a case is being presented in a less-populated region. One way that technology helps address these situations, though, is the advent of virtual forensic psychiatry expert service providers: practitioners who offer their assistance via telepresence. If you're curious about the pros and cons of connecting with one, these two issues are worth thinking about.

Technological Needs

The use of a virtual presence is incredibly tech-heavy, and consequently, you'll need to know that the locations where you'll be working with one can provide the necessary technological support. Foremost, there needs to be high-speed internet that allows two-way communication in real time. You'll also need to have computing systems in place that have telepresence software that is compatible with what the virtual psychiatry expert witness services firm uses. It's always a good idea to take a couple hours to perform tests once you have a system set up for the first time to ensure that interviews, conferences, and court days go off without a hitch.

Conducting Sessions

Compared to other types of virtual presence applications for expert witnesses in the legal system, working with a forensic psychiatrist tends to be more involved. This is because assessing someone's state of mind involves hours of conversations.

One big upside to the use of such systems is that it permits attorneys to get in touch with professionals who they might otherwise not have access to. A lawyer trying a case in a remote part of the Rockies, for example, may have the chance to not only bring in a type of witness they'd otherwise never be able to work with, but they can also get in touch with experts from anywhere in the world. That means they can often get better testimony from more qualified professionals.

A downside to this approach is that courtroom testimony from an expert witness is often more compelling in person. Conversely, the value of having an eminent professional explaining a difficult subject can make a strong impression. For example, an attorney presenting an argument that a unique neurological disorder was critical to events may find a telepresence to be the best available option.

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