10 Hours | 10 CEs

This self-paced training program on The Role of Consultants and Expert Witness in Cases of Disputed Confessions is presented by Dr. Brian Cutler and Jeffrey Kaplan, MSc.

This training program discusses to the role that psychologists play as consultants and expert witnesses in disputed confession cases, from case intake through resolution. Topics covered include the role of false confessions in miscarriages of justice, the science underlying false confessions, how to identify personal and situational risk factors for false confessions, the content of false confessions, and policies and procedures aimed at reducing the risk of false confessions. Particular attention will be paid to the assessment of videotaped interrogations for coercion and risk factors for false confession and delivering findings to the courts.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Describe the role that false confessions play in miscarriages of justice of a variety of types

  • Describe the characteristics that render individuals particularly susceptible to false confessions

  • Describe situational factors that heighten an individual’s risk for false confession

  • Describe the process by which false confessions can seem as compelling to observers as true confessions

  • Describe contemporary policies and procedures designed to mitigate the risk of false confessions.

  • Describe the process by which interrogations are evaluated for false confession risk factors

  • Describe the roles that the consultant and expert witness play in cases of potential false confession

Presented By

Brian Cutler, PhD

Dr. Brian Cutler began serving as a consultant and expert witness in cases involving risk factors for mistaken eyewitness identifications and mistaken eyewitness memories in 1989. To date, he has consulted in more than 200 cases. In 2013, Dr. Cutler began serving as a consultant and expert witness in cases involving the risk factors for false accusations and false confessions, and to date has consulted in more than 40 cases.

Jeffrey Kaplan, MSc

Jeff Kaplan holds a MSC in forensic psychology from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and a B.A. (Hons) in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Winnipeg. His areas of expertise is the evaluation of police interrogations and false confessions.

  • Intended Audience

    This self-paced course is intended for mental health and other allied professionals.

  • Experience Level

    This self-paced course is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.

  • CE / CPD Credit

    APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC Click here for state and other regional board approvals.

Curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome

    • Review Before Proceeding

  • 2

    Introduction

    • Lesson 1 Video
  • 3

    Relevant Research

    • Lesson 2 Video

    • False Confessions

    • Lesson Quiz

  • 4

    Understanding & Evaluating Interrogations

    • Lesson 3 Video

    • Coercive Interview Practices

    • Lesson Quiz

  • 5

    Understanding & Evaluating Interrogations

    • Lesson 4 Video

    • Videotaped Interrogations

    • Lesson Quiz

  • 6

    The IIAI

    • Lesson 5 Video

    • Evaluation Sheet

    • Coding Legend

    • Case Info Sheet

    • Lesson Quiz

  • 7

    Consulting & Expert Testimony

    • Lesson 6 Video

    • Lesson Quiz

  • 8

    Course Evaluation

    • Course Evaluation

Develop a Specialty Area of Practice

Transforming mental health professionals into experts

  • Expert Instructors

    Professional training developed and delivered by the field's leading experts

  • CE Credit

    Earn CE credit for meaningful professional training that will elevate your practice

  • Convenience & Flexibility

    Learn at your own pace, from wherever you might be!

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