collateral information
Independent sources of data beyond direct evaluation that inform forensic assessments.
Full Definition
Information obtained from sources other than the direct clinical interview with the evaluee, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, school records, employment history, and interviews with family members or other informants. Collateral information is essential in forensic evaluations because it provides external validation of self-reported information, fills gaps in memory or awareness, and offers alternative perspectives on the individual's functioning. The quality and comprehensiveness of collateral information significantly impacts the reliability and validity of forensic opinions, particularly given the high base rate of deception in forensic contexts.
Usage
Usage note: Essential for forensic evaluations due to high rates of deception and malingering in legal contexts.
In Context
- "The evaluation relied heavily on collateral information due to the defendant's limited recall of the incident." — Forensic evaluation report
- "Collateral information from medical records contradicted the defendant's account of his psychiatric history." — Expert witness testimony