Product Description: Considered the definitive resource and text on forensic psychiatry and psychology since the publication of the first edition, Psychological Evaluations for the Courts, Second Edition, continues to be the most comprehensive discussion of legal, research, and clinical issues for both mental health and legal professionals. Fully revised and updated, the volume covers a broad range of topics in forensic mental health, including insanity, child abuse, sentencing, personal injury claims, and civil commitment. Less traditional subjects such as federal antidiscrimination and entitlement laws, competency to testify, workers' compensation, and a new section on the clinical evaluation of witness credibility have also been added. Throughout, the authors summarize and analyze legal issues, offer suggestions for evaluation procedures, and review appropriate research on both clinical opinions and the legal process.
New to the Second Edition
Completely updated to reflect current research and practice, the volume contains four entirely new chapters and has been revised throughout to include analyses of new case law and clinical techniques; important research on competency and dangerousness from the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Mental Health and Law; and new ethical rules developed by the American Psychological Assocation and the American Psychiatric Association. Also new to this edition are exercises and case studies for students in each chapter (see below).
Very good comprehensive text This book was mandatory for a forensic case law course taught by a seasoned forensic expert. It is thorough, accurate, and provides everything one needs to know before conducting forensic evaluations, as well as a significant amount of information most professionals ought to know but often don't. I recommend it as a tremendous resource for any clincian, especially those who have even a mild interest in forensic or correctional psychology.
5+*s Not a light Sunday afternoon read, this book requires time to think and digest topics. It provides outstanding survey and advanced analysis of research, U.S. laws, and policies across the major foci. While a bit dated, it probably is the best source for gaining an understanding of forensic mental health. An outstanding reference. I feel somewhat odd in reviewing this book, almost like, I'd imagine someone feels when reviewing the Bible. Well worth the price. I wish it would have an annual or biannual update.
Journeyman's Opinion Excellent reference, but a little outdated as of this writing (Dec. 2001). Opinions and recommendations of the authors do not in all respects reflect the majority, or even the respectible minority, of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists. Nonetheless, an excellent reference to have in your library to get the overall gist of an issue or a topic at the interface of psychology and the law. Detailed information pertaining to actual practices will need to be located elsewhere.
Best of Breed I have used this book extensively both as teacher and practitioner for years and it remains the best available text for mental health professionals conducting evaluations for the legal system. It is also an outstanding reference for attorneys litigating mental health issues. Its greatest strength is in the criminal law area, but it is excellent in other areas of the law/mental health interface as well. Psychiatrists should not be deterred by the term "psychological" in the title; it is equally applicable to both disciplines.
Expertly done survey of the area with practical applications If you buy only one book to gain an introduction, or update on the area of forensic psychology, this must be it. The authors have gathered legal precedent, research, illustration, and opinion, while retaining readability. It is long - especially with double column pages - but well worth it. An added feature is that the authors, through the publisher, maintain a web site for periodic updates to the book and relevent case law.
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