Statement psychological assessment and method-critical review

Methodology

The approach follows the minimum requirements of the German Federal Court of Justice for credibility opinions (judgment of 30 July 1999, 1 StR 618/98). It works in a hypothesis-guided manner and examines statement formation, statement development, possible suggestive influences and capacity to testify using criteria-based content analysis. The opinion expressly states the limits of its evidential value.

What instructing parties receive

Instructing parties receive an answer to the question at issue. For a method-critical review of an existing opinion they receive a statement on the question posed, the factual basis, the methodology and the conclusiveness. For an initial assessment, the interview records, the existing opinion and the question at issue are usually required.

Professional basis

The requirements for this area are listed on the professional basis page: Statement psychology. For instructions see Process and fees.

Frequently asked questions

What does a credibility opinion examine?

Statement psychological assessment, also called a credibility opinion, examines the credibility of a specific statement. The general credibility of the person lies outside the question posed.

Which requirements does the work follow?

The approach follows the minimum requirements of the German Federal Court of Justice for credibility opinions (judgment of 30 July 1999, 1 StR 618/98).

Which documents are needed for an initial assessment?

For an initial assessment, the interview records, the existing opinion and the question at issue are usually required.