Expert Testimony in Jodi Arias Case
Question
Several expert witnesses have provided testimony for the defense or prosecution in the Jodi Arias case. On the defense side, Dr. Richard Samuels and Alyce LaViolette have provided testimony in support of Ms. Arias being a battered woman. Dr. Janeen DeMarte testified as an expert witness for the state. Our own Dr. Lenore Walker also spoke about the case on the Nancy Grace show. The link for Dr. Walker’s interview was posted in an Announcement. Please choose one of these experts and critique their testimony. Do you think the testimony of your chosen expert was effective? What do you think was effective about the testimony? What do you think could have been done differently? Also, do you think your chosen expert violated any ethical standards?
Solution
Critique of Dr. Walker’s interview
I choose to critique the testimony of Dr. Lenore Walker. I think her testimony was effective because she is an expert in domestic violence and has studied the issue extensively. There was a claim that Dr. Lenore does not follow her criteria anymore, but I believe that this claim is false. She provided a detailed explanation of the six signs of battered women syndrome, which Arias fits into. I think her testimony could have been improved if she had addressed the issue of lying more directly. She seemed to skirt around whether or not Arias could still be a battered woman if she were lying about Travis Alexander abusing her. I don’t think she violated any ethical standards.
I think Dr. Walker’s testimony was effective because she is an expert in the field of domestic violence and has studied the issue extensively. In addition, she provided a detailed explanation of the six signs of battered women syndrome, which Arias fits into. For example, she explained how Arias would have felt isolated and alone after the abuse, which would explain why she lied about it to her friends and family.
I think her testimony could have been improved if she had addressed the issue of lying more directly. When asked whether an alleged battered spouse can still be one if she is telling the truth about Alexander, a McGovern lawyer stated that it is not her decision. For example, she said, “Battered women lie all the time. That is how they stay alive. That is how they deal with the shame that they feel.” But she did not directly answer whether Arias could still be considered a battered woman if she was lying about the abuse.
I don’t think she violated any ethical standards. For example, she did not diagnose Arias with anything, nor did she offer a personal opinion on the case.
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