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J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 35:3:339-345 (2007)
Copyright © 2007 by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.
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Isaac Ray at 200: Phrenology and Expert Testimony

Kenneth J. Weiss, MD

Dr. Weiss is in private practice of forensic psychiatry, Bala Cynwyd, PA, and is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden, NJ. Address correspondence to: Kenneth J. Weiss, MD, Two Bala Plaza, Suite 300, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. E-mail: kweiss{at}comcast.net

In honor of Isaac Ray's 200th birthday, the author examines his early career for an example of critical thinking about expert testimony. Ray, a scientist from the outset, expressed interest in phrenology, a contemporary science of the mind. This paper explores a criminal case from Maine in which phrenological testimony was proffered and which Ray critiqued. The author then examines Ray's standards of practice in relation to present concepts of admissibility of expert testimony. He concludes that Ray's quality standards remain evident in contemporary efforts to apply evidence-based science to legal matters.






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Copyright © 2007 by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.