Forensic psychologists working in correctional facilities, forensic hospitals, and Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) programs are often tasked with conducting violence risk assessments that can carry substantial legal and institutional consequences. Although these evaluations are usually completed outside the courtroom, they are frequently scrutinized by courts, legal review, or oversight bodies. As a result, violence risk assessments must be conducted with expert testimony in mind, even when testimony is not immediately anticipated.
Preparing evaluations that support expert testimony requires more than technical familiarity with violence risk assessment tools. It demands application of structured professional judgment (SPJ), transparent reasoning, and clear written communication. When done well, expert testimony becomes a natural extension of sound assessment practice.