FASS case studies
FASS · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The FASS examination is a multiple-choice credentialing exam for professionals whose work sits at the intersection of behavioral science and the law. Candidates typically include psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other clinicians who assess, treat, or consult on justice-involved populations, as well as those who prepare evaluations and testimony for courts, attorneys, and agencies. The exam is organized around eight domains: assessment and diagnosis; psychopathology and clinical disorders; forensic assessment and risk evaluation; forensic treatment and intervention; legal and ethical issues; criminal law and procedure; civil law and procedure; and consultation, testimony, and professional practice. Each domain blends clinical knowledge with legal reasoning, so strong preparation means practicing the translation step - taking a clinical finding and explaining what it means for a legal question, and knowing where the boundaries of your role lie. The FASS case studies are 5 cases and about 2,556 words.
1Competence to Stand Trial in a Defendant With Intellectual Disability
R, 34, is charged with felony assault after a fight outside a bar. He has a documented full-scale IQ of 62, reads at a second-grade level, and has no prior forensic history.
549 words, about 3 min2Malingering Versus Genuine Amnesia in a Murder Defense
T, 29, is charged with the stabbing death of her partner. She claims complete amnesia for the 40 minutes surrounding the killing.
519 words, about 3 min3Risk Assessment for Release in a Sexually Violent Predator Proceeding
K, 47, has completed a prison term for two sexual offenses against adolescent girls, ages 13 and 14, committed 12 and 8 years ago. In custody he completed sex-offender treatment and had no institutional infractions for 5 years.
515 words, about 3 min4Therapist-Patient Privilege in a Court-Ordered Evaluation
L, a psychologist, has been treating Ms. A for 2 years for PTSD stemming from a workplace assault.
505 words, about 3 min5Consulting to a Court on Eyewitness Identification Reform
A state court's criminal rules committee has invited Dr. P, an expert in eyewitness memory, to advise on a proposed rule requiring double-blind, sequential photo lineups.
468 words, about 2 min