Forensic Psychology Reconsidered

Forensic psychology is where psychology meets the criminal justice system. An understanding of the intersection of criminal law and psychological issues relating to criminal responsibility is critical for criminal justice students. This accessible text focuses on the criminal law implications of forensic psychology as it relates to topics such as competency to stand trial, state of mind at the time of the crime, suicide by cop, and involuntary psychiatric medication administered in custody. Unlike more traditional texts on this topic, which are primarily concerned with the clinical practice of forensic psychology, this book focuses on critical thinking as it relates to these topics. Each chapter presents a critical analysis of the topic under study, going beyond merely identifying the legal parameters of criminal responsibility to explore the ethical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of that concept.

Forensic Psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. Today forensic refers to the application of scientific principles and practices to the adversary process where especially knowledgeable scientists play a role. Forensic psychology is the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. It involves understanding criminal law in the relevant jurisdictions in order to be able to interact appropriately with judges, attorneys and other legal professionals. The growth of forensic psychology is not without controversy. Some accuse forensic psychologists of being hired guns who can be paid to parrot a certain opinion. Recent court decisions are causing increasing scientific scrutiny of psychological evidence. This in turn is leading to the development of increasingly rigorous training programs, instruments, and procedures that will allow us to withstand such adversarial scrutiny. Further, in order to be a credible witness, the forensic psychologist must understand the philosophy, rules and standards of the judicial system. Primary is an understanding of the adversarial system. There are also rules about hearsay evidence and most importantly, the exclusionary rule. This book provides deep insight into various dimensions of issues relating to the subject.

This text provides an engaging overview to the core topics within Forensic Psychology, guiding the reader through this exciting and popular discipline. Combining a discussion of theory with information about the role of a professional forensic psychologist, it addresses such key issues as: Police Psychology Psychology of crime and delinquency Victimology and victim services Legal Psychology Correctional Psychology With a glossary of key terms, case studies and suggestions for further reading, this is an informative study guide for anyone approaching the academic study of Forensic Psychology for the first time.

A fascinating guide on the psychology of crime Thinking of a career that indulges your CSI fantasies? Want to understand the psychology of crime? Whether studying it for the first time or an interested spectator, Forensic Psychology For Dummies gives you all the essentials for understanding this exciting field, complemented with fascinating case examples from around the world. Inside you'll find out why people commit crime, how psychology helps in the investigative process, the ways psychologists work with criminals behind bars - and how you too can become a forensic psychologist. You'll discover what a typical day is like for a forensic psychologist, how they work with the police to build offender profiles, interview suspects or witnesses, and detect lies! Covers the important role psychology plays in assessing offenders Explains how psychology is applied in the courtroom Explains complicated psychology concepts in easy-to-understand terms If you're a student considering taking forensic psychology or just love to learn about the science behind crime, Forensic Psychology For Dummies is everything you need to get up-to-speed on this fascinating subject.

Winner of the British Psychological Society Book Award 2018 - Textbook category ′This fascinating book examines some of the ideological underpinnings of forensic psychological research, policy and practice. It is refreshingly reflective and a significant contribution to the field. I strongly recommend it.′ - Professor Graham Towl, Durham University and formerly Chief Psychologist at the Ministry of Justice ′The strength of this book is the complexity of concepts and topics covered mean that it is suitable for students who wish to be challenged.’ - Dr Louise Almond, University of Liverpool ′This is a book for people who like to think. It presents the realities of practice with the challenges of theory and asks the reader to shake off complacency. It is insightful and challenging but most of all, it is very readable.′ - Professor Joanna R. Adler, Middlesex University Students of Forensic Psychology need to learn how to combine practical skills such as report writing or assessments with a critical understanding of both theory and the wider political and policy landscape that surrounds the profession. Mapped to the British Psychological Society’s Stage One and Two training requirements for forensic psychologists Forensic Psychology: Theory, Research, Policy and Practice will help you understand how these crucial areas of the profession interact and how they can shape one another. Throughout the text the authors provide a detailed analysis of key concepts, debates and theories while weaving in insights and reflections from key professionals, ensuring you have the necessary knowledge and skills to pass assignments and get past the stage 2 supervised practice requirements en route to becoming a qualified forensic psychologist. This text will be essential reading for all those on MSc Forensic Psychology courses, and will also be a useful reader for those on practitioner doctorates as well as the already qualified needing to keep up with the CPD. The book is also a useful companion to professionals in allied criminal justice professions.

Updated to reflect recent changes in the field, the 2nd Edition of Forensic Psychology presents a comprehensive overview of forensic psychology and its applications in the civil and criminal justice systems of the UK. Builds on the first edition to convey material in an engaging manner to postgraduate students in psychology Includes a significant expansion of pedagogical features, including text boxes highlighting key seminar issues and key debates in the field to further group discussion Provides an up-to-date summary of emerging evidence in the field, and its implications for evidence based practice Points to additional online learning resources at the conclusion of each chapter

A comprehensive overview of forensic psychology as it applies tothe civil and criminal justice systems in the UK, which draws onthe international evidence base, with contributions from leadinginternational experts Designed to cover the British Psychological Society trainingsyllabus in forensic psychology, meeting the needs of postgraduatestudents Chapters are each written by leading international experts, andprovide the latest research and evidence base practice forstudents Ideal for qualified practitioners as a resource for continuingprofessional development The text is written in a style designed to support and directstudents, and includes specific learning aids and guides to furtherstudy Linked to an online site providing additional learningmaterials, offering further aid to students

Written by two of the leading scholars in the field, Forensic Psychology, Second Canadian Edition, introduces students and the public at large to the practice of forensic psychology by showing how psychologists aid the legal system by serving as expert witnesses, criminal profilers, and trial consultants for jury selection and child custody hearings. It presents the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists, addresses both the opportunities and temptations inherent in those roles, and explores the ethical issues facing practicing forensic psychologists. The authors provide students with an accurate and candid picture of the field in Canada and internationally today. Along with an increased amount of Canadian criminal case material and new Canadian Researcher Profile boxes, the second Canadian edition has been extensively revised to expand on recent changes in the Canadian judicial system, and to include a much broader coverage of eyewitness testimony, investigative/police psychology, and the psychology, risk assessment, and treatment of sexual offenders and psychopaths.