501(c) 3 
Tax Exempt Public Charity


National Board of Forensic Evaluators seal

National Board of
Forensic Evaluators

501(c) 3 · Tax Exempt Public Charity

Understanding Trauma in the Courtroom: An NBFE Board Member Perspective

26 Nov 2025 9:33 PM | Aaron Norton (Administrator)


In Through the Lens of Trauma: My Role in a Vehicular Homicide Defense, NBFE Board Member Richard J. Stride, PsyD, LPC, LMHC offers a compelling, trauma-informed forensic perspective on a high-stakes vehicular homicide case involving an adolescent defendant.


Drawing on behavioral observation, developmental psychology, and multidisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Stride illustrates how trauma, dissociation, and emotional presentation can shape investigative conclusions and courtroom outcomes. This article underscores the critical role forensic mental health professionals play in helping legal systems move beyond surface-level assumptions toward nuanced, ethically grounded understanding. NBFE members are encouraged to read this article in advance of upcoming NBFE webinars exploring trauma-informed forensic evaluation, expert testimony, and the interpretation of behavior under extreme stress.  Click here to read it!

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software