Psychological Expert Witnesses in Germany and the Netherlands

Abstract

An investigation of the similarities and differences in treatment of expert witnesses in Germany and the Netherlands is the aim of this chapter. We collected most of our information through interviews with psychologists and judges. In order to provide a clear-cut comparison of both countries, we restricted the study to criminal procedure in general and credibility assessments in particular. The comparison focused on three aspects of accessing credibility, in chronological order: (1) the ordering of an assessment, (2) the production of the assessment, and (3) the role of psychological experts during the main hearing. The reasons for the differences and their consequences are discussed, focusing especially on the impact on the quality of psychological assessments. Several feasible measures that could be implemented to safeguard the quality of psychological assessments in Germany and the Netherlands are described. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)