title: MMPI-A forensic case studies: uses in documented court decisions.
abstract: In this article, we describe 8 legal cases reporting the use of the MMPI-A (Butcher et al., 1992) that were identified by an exhaustive search of the Westlaw database. These case studies provide a unique perspective on the uses of the MMPI-A as reflected in documented court decisions. For each case, we first provide a brief discussion of the legal issue or standard of law addressed by the MMPI-A findings. We then provide an abstract of the facts of the case and the nature of the involvement of the MMPI-A. We conclude each case with a more general discussion of the psychological uses and limitations of the MMPI-A as applied to this specific legal issue or standard. Not only do these cases display a wide range of legal issues, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to discuss some important uses and limitations of MMPI-A assessment when used as a component in a forensic evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: Tracy O'Connor
authors.initials: TO
authors.lastname: Pennuto
authors.forename: Robert P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Archer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002655:Child Custody / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D008950:MMPI; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States