Jess Forrest demonstrated expert cross-examination for Forensic Psychiatry Fellows at University Hospitals. The supervisor of the Fellowship, Dr. Philip J. Resnick, Professor of Psychiatry for the Case School of Medicine assigned Fellows to prepare expert reports in a will contest case. The Fellows then “testified” as to their opinions and Jess cross-examined them. The Fellows reached different opinions on testamentary capacity, so Jess was able to cross-examine both sides of the case. Afterwards, Dr. Resnick, Jess, the presenting Fellows, and other medical students provided feedback and tips on testifying and report-writing for forensic psychiatry in a will contest. The Fellows and students were particularly interested to hear how “real juries” respond to expert testimony.
