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5 - Writing a narrative

from Section 1 - Principles of writing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 September 2011

Alec Buchanan
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
Michael A. Norko
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
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Summary

This chapter focuses on narrative in the written forensic psychiatry report, its central role in the work of forensic psychiatry, and techniques and pitfalls in telling the story for the legal audience. Forensic psychiatric reports answer questions posed by the law through the explication of individuals' thinking and their behavior and how individuals came to carry out their actions. Language and writing style are critical elements in the forensic report. The challenges in creating persuasive, truthful narratives can be met through the combination of psychiatric diligence and expertise and literary techniques that facilitate the audience's comprehension of the psychiatrist's formulation and conclusion. The most effective means of persuading the audience in a legal matter is through a thoughtful narrative that creates an integrated account of the myriad facts and a comprehensible formulation. The forensic narrator must create a product that meets the ethical requirements of truth-telling and respect for person.
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The Psychiatric Report
Principles and Practice of Forensic Writing
, pp. 68 - 80
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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