MMPI–A Forensic Case Studies: Uses in Documented Court Decisions

Abstract

In this article, we describe 8 legal cases reporting the use of the MMPI–A (Butcher et al., 1992) that were identified by an exhaustive search of the Westlaw database. These case studies provide a unique perspective on the uses of the MMPI–A as reflected in documented court decisions. For each case, we first provide a brief discussion of the legal issue or standard of law addressed by the MMPI–A findings. We then provide an abstract of the facts of the case and the nature of the involvement of the MMPI–A. We conclude each case with a more general discussion of the psychological uses and limitations of the MMPI–A as applied to this specific legal issue or standard. Not only do these cases display a wide range of legal issues, but they also provide an excellent opportunity to discuss some important uses and limitations of MMPI–A assessment when used as a component in a forensic evaluation.