Forensic Psychology Research, Clinical Practice, and Applications [Paperback]

Forensic Psychology provides students with an in-depth and insightful introduction to the clinical practice of forensic psychology. Incorporating two main themes, scope of practice and therapeutic jurisprudence, the text focuses on empirically supported clinical practice and exposes students to case and statutory laws necessary in the practice of forensic psychology. The text utilizes real world examples that help students understand the practical applications of forensic psychology. It encourages an understanding of the law as a living and breathing entity, examining its ability to be therapeutic or anti-therapeutic to the people impacted by it. Accessible and user-friendly, this text provides students with a thorough introduction to the field.

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xv

1 What Is Forensic Psychology? An Introduction 1

What Is Forensic Psychology? 1

Is this forensic psychology? 2

The origin of forensic psychology 3

Our definition of forensic psychology 4

History of forensic psychology 5

Major Areas of Forensic Psychology 7

Structure of the legal system 10

The Relationship of the Law and Psychology 12

The conflict between psychology and law 13

Education and Training in Forensic Psychology 14

How do I become a forensic psychologist? 14

Careers in forensic psychology 18

2 Assessment, Treatment, and Consultation in Forensic Psychology 21

Forensic Assessment 22

Important tasks in forensic assessment 22

Core concepts in assessment: Reliability and validity 24

Distinguishing therapeutic assessment from forensic aslS0