Brett Gardner, PhD

Dr. Gardner is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences within the UVA School of Medicine. He performs forensic evaluations (e.g., competency to stand trial, sanity, violence risk) in criminal cases through his clinical service. Prior to his employment with ILPPP, he conducted evaluations in multiple states and within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He also maintains several research programs examining the quality and characteristics of forensic mental health evaluations, the association between juvenile delinquency and adult gun violence, and cognitive bias in forensic science disciplines.

Select Publications

Gardner, B. O., Bonnie, R., Janes, K., Swanson, J., & Easter, M. (In press). The legal effect of a record of delinquency adjudication on firearm access: A typology of state statutes and policies. Texas Tech Law Review. 28.

Gardner, B. O., Kelley, S., & Neuman, M. (2023). What types of information can and do latent print examiners review? A survey of practicing examiners. Forensic Science International, 344, 1-7. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111598 27.

Gardner, B. O., & Neuman, M. (2023). Perceptions of blind proficiency testing among latent print examiners. Science & Justice, 63, 200-205. doi:10.1016/j.scijus.2022.12.005 26.

Gardner, B. O., Neuman, M., Kelley, S., Mejia, R, & Hong, A. (2023). Does image editing improve the quality of latent prints? An analysis of image-editing techniques in one crime laboratory. Science & Justice, 63, 109-115. doi:10.1016/j.dcijus.2022.11.006 25.

Gardner, B. O., Murrie, D. C., & Torres, A. N. (2022). To proceed or not proceed: Conducting sanity evaluations of incompetent defendants. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 28, 67-77. doi:10.1037/law0000304.

Research interests:

  • Quality and characteristics of forensic mental health evaluations

  • Decision-making within forensic sciences

  • Personality within forensic contexts

  • Public policy regarding firearms

Clinical interests:

  • Evaluations of mental state

  • Violence risk assessment

  • Malingering/feigned symptomatology