NCJ Number
107500
Date Published
1987
Length
725 pages
Annotation
An overview is presented of the forensic psychologist's (FP's) role in criminal and civil justice and in treatment.
Abstract
The development, basic parameters, and innovations in forensic psychology are reviewed. Sources of legal literature are identified, and issues related to informed consent in research and treatment settings are discussed. The FP's roles in domestic mediation, the assessment of educational disability, police consultation, and the assessment of competency and criminal responsibility are discussed. An overview of probation and parole conditions, services, and outcome prediction is provided. Literature reviews examine violence prediction, factors affecting eyewitness testimony, jury selection and decisionmaking, and the accuracy of polygraphy. Forensic limits and uses of hypnosis also are discussed. Guidelines are provided for writing forensic reports and for court consultation and testimony. The effectiveness of punishment, diversion, counseling, and education in deterring and preventing crime is assessed. Finally, issues in and techniques for psychological treatment of offenders/inmates and victims are considered. Chapter references, author and subject indexes.