Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma: Wrongful Conviction Risks, Mis-information Effects, and Psychological Consultation

Psychologists as experts may be engaged in criminal or family court cases involving Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT). There are unsettled questions within medical specialties regarding the diagnosis of SBS/AHT, as well as the mechanisms and timing of injuries. Psychologists need to be cautious about providing testimony based on findings from disciplines other than psychology. Forensic psychological consultation in SBS/AHT can be informed by the record of exoneration in these cases. Also, psychological research on processes in wrongful conviction such as the "mis-information effect" and forensic "confirmation bias" can inform such consultation and testimony.