Bhoops

Legal Pitfalls for the expert Neuropsychologist Ajay Bhoopchand M.B., Ch.B. (UCT) LLB (SA) Advocate of the High Court of South Africa Summary: The nature of dysfunction that the expert Neuropsychologist has to opine on, and that which constitutes the bulk of his work in the medico-legal setting, is rather abstract when compared to physical injury affecting other parts of the human anatomy. This lends itself to many potential pitfalls in the litigation process. This paper looks at the contribution of an expert Neuropsychologist to the medico-legal process from the point of being briefed through the whole spectrum of the process till evidence is rendered in Court. An attempt is made to identify some of the pitfalls for the expert Neuropsychologist in the process. A cursory introductory comment is made about the South African legal system. Special circumstances including the estimation of pre-morbid functioning, the handling of suspected malingering and the awareness of HIV/AIDS are consi...

Welcome to Cape Town, nestled in the shadows of Table Mountain and surrounded by two oceans, the Atlantic on the west side and the Indian on the east. Cape Town is renowned for its mediterranean climate and relaxed lifestyle. The climate is conducive for fruit farming and is renowned for its grape cultivation and wine production. Cape Town is also where the first heart transplant was performed by Chris Barnard. It is the legislative home of the South African government. The tourist attractions of Cape Town are legend. I arrived in Cape Town in 1977 and settled permanently here after completing my initial studies at the University of Cape Town. The city has not changed materially over the past thirty years. The development of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Ratanga Junction theme park and Century City are some of the exceptions. In the very near future, the skyline of Green Point will feature the soccer stadium for the 2010 World Cup. None of these developments will detract f...