Live Webinar CLE – Cross-Examining a Psychological Expert

Psychologists often serve as expert witnesses in criminal, family and civil courts testifying about issues from competency, criminal responsibility, risk assessment, custody and much more. Their conclusions can significantly influence the decisions of judges and juries.

Asking the right questions during cross-examination can test the expert’s evidence and ensure that opinions presented in court are grounded in reliable methodology and transparent reasoning.

Did the expert consider alternative explanations? Were their tests valid, reliable, current, and accepted as best practice in the field? What do the results of these tests actually mean? Where might there be inherent bias?

While the goal may not be to discredit the psychologist, clarifying questions help the judge or jury understand the strengths and weaknesses of the expert’s testimony. This course provides an overview for attorneys to ensure there is scientific basis for an expert’s evaluation, methods, assessment tools, as well as pointing out the limitations in the data or reasoning.

Speakers:

• Dr. Melody Caldwell
  Caldwell PSYD

*This will be a Distance Learning CLE.

Please note: This is a live interactive Zoom webinar that can be viewed by participants on their own computers remotely. Participants will receive 1 hour of Live CLE credit for the webinar. You will receive the link to join and the materials 24 hours in advance of the program.

*This program has been approved for 1 hour of Substantive CLE credit in Pennsylvania and also qualifies for 1.2 hours of credit under the West Virginia Rules for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.

Last day to Pre-register: Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

Register by mail: Print and return the hard copy registration form available here.

*Please note: The Pa. CLE Board can take up to 45 days to post credits.

CLE and Events Registration Policy: Members and Non-members can register for ACBA programs online or by paper mail-in registration, up to two days prior to a program start date. Some programs are restricted to ACBA or Section members only.

Interested in this program but have a conflict and can’t attend? The vast majority of our webinar CLEs programs are recorded and available for CLE credit online within 72 hours. Click here to see all available ACBA online CLEs.