title: Commentary: observations and concerns on the bigendering of our forensic fields.
abstract: The study by Neal et al. of mock jurors in the penalty phase of a homicide case led me to observations on gender changes over the past few decades in the professions of law and forensic psychiatry and psychology. From an earlier paucity of women in these professions, today their percentages have greatly increased. Yet, as in this study, there are differences that work to the advantage of men in how the genders are perceived as expert witnesses. Suggestions for addressing gender discrepancy are offered, along with a cautionary note, such as in the area of experts in cases involving abortion.
authors.affiliation: lacour_1@cox.net
authors.forename: Roy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lacoursiere
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002203:Capital Punishment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D005783:Gender Identity; D006708:Homicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010822:Physicians, Women / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D063507:Sexism / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D012938:Social Perception; D013240:Stereotyping; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult