Forensic aspects of behavioral pediatrics

• Published in: The Pediatric clinics of North America Vol. 50; no. 4; p. 939
• Main Author: Herman, Stephen P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2003
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Child Behavior Disorders - diagnosis; Child Behavior Disorders - therapy; Child, Preschool; Forensic Medicine - legislation & jurisprudence; Humans; Infant; Pediatrics - legislation & jurisprudence; United States; United States
• ISSN: 0031-3955
• DOI: 10.1016/S0031-3955(03)00071-3

This article provided many situations in which the pediatrician may cross paths (if not swords) with members of the legal profession. It is extremely rare for the doctor to avoid some aspect of the law for an entire career. The article has provided common examples of the pediatrician's possibilities for involvement in the legal system and suggestions for making the experience less anxiety-provoking, and, instead, gratifying. Our American legal system, imperfect though it is, is probably the best and fairest in the world; attorneys and judges should not be considered the enemy. They may look to pediatricians for guidance in difficult cases in which children must be protected. By comprehensively reviewing all documents provided, preparing well, and, most importantly, remaining scrupulously honest throughout the process, a pediatrician has the opportunity to serve the system well, assist children and their families, and even, perhaps, make the system a bit better.