Forensic Assessments in Criminal and Civil Law: A Handbook for Lawyers

by Ronald Roesch (Editor), Patricia A Zapf (Editor)

New
Illustrated
2012
$213.99

While the vast majority of criminal and civil lawyers must at some time come into contact with a forensic mental health evaluation, either when requested by their side or by opposing counsel, most do not know enough about the practice to be informed consumers. Forensic assessments can vary widely based on the assessor's personal preferences, and while there are clearly defined best practices for most evaluations, there is no official process by which legal professionals can guarantee these practices are being followed. Designed to meet the specific needs of lawyers, Forensic Assessments in Criminal and Civil Law: A Handbook for Lawyers provides insight into what to expect from forensic mental health evaluations and how to navigate these assessments with skill and competence. The volume is divided into sections by evaluation type: criminal, civil, and juvenile and family evaluations. Each chapter addresses one of the most commonly requested forensic evaluations and is written by a forensic psychologist with both academic and professional experience with that type of evaluation. Specific evaluation types discussed include competence to stand trial in adults and juveniles, criminal responsibility, violence risk in adults, jury selection, eyewitness identification, personal injury claims, civil commitment, workplace disability, child custody, juveniles' risks and needs, and more. This handbook is a comprehensive, one-stop resource for lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals seeking to further their knowledge of forensic assessments.

Synopsis

While the vast majority of criminal and civil lawyers must at some time come into contact with a forensic mental health evaluation, either when requested by their side or by opposing counsel, most do not know enough about the practice to be informed consumers. Forensic assessments can vary widely based on the assessor's personal preferences, and while there are clearly defined best practices for most evaluations, there is no official process by which legal professionals can guarantee these practices are being followed. Designed to meet the specific needs of lawyers, Forensic Assessments in Criminal and Civil Law: A Handbook for Lawyers provides insight into what to expect from forensic mental health evaluations and how to navigate these assessments with skill and competence. The volume is divided into sections by evaluation type: criminal, civil, and juvenile and family evaluations. Each chapter addresses one of the most commonly requested forensic evaluations and is written by a forensic psychologist with both academic and professional experience with that type of evaluation. Specific evaluation types discussed include competence to stand trial in adults and juveniles, criminal responsibility, violence risk in adults, jury selection, eyewitness identification, personal injury claims, civil commitment, workplace disability, child custody, juveniles' risks and needs, and more. This handbook is a comprehensive, one-stop resource for lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals seeking to further their knowledge of forensic assessments.

$213.99

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 310
Edition: Illustrated
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 01 Dec 2012
ISBN 10: 0199766851
ISBN 13: 9780199766857

Media Reviews

This book should be on the shelf of every lawyer who has ever consulted with or cross-examined a forensic witness. It is clear, comprehensive, and creative, bringing together the very best in their fields to share precisely what lawyers must know. I could not recommend it more highly. -- Prof. Michael L. Perlin, Director, International Mental Disability Law Reform Project and Director, Online Mental Disability Law Program, New York Law School

Ronald Roesch and Patricia Zapf have produced a unique volume that is at the same time legally authoritative, scientifically rigorous, and clinically incisive. Forensic Assessments in Criminal and Civil Law should be within arm's reach of every member of the bench and the bar who deals with mental health evaluations. -- John Monahan, Shannon Distinguished Professor of Law, Psychology, and Psychiatry, The University of Virginia

This book provides lawyers and judges with a concise look at the law and practice of behavioral science evaluations for the courts, from the mental health professional's perspective. The authors assembled for this book represent the cream of the crop. Any lawyer considering using a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker as an expert witness should consult this volume. -- Christopher Slobogin, Milton Underwood Professor of Law, Vanderbilt University Law School

Winner of the 2016 American Psychology-Law Society Book Award

Author Bio

Ronald Roesch is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Roesch is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and is on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services. He has served as Editor of Law and Human Behavior and Psychology, Public Policy, and Law. He is a Past-President of the American Psychology-Law Society and was the recipient of the Society's Distinguished Contribution to Psychology and Law Award. Patricia A. Zapf is Associate Professor of Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York. Dr. Zapf is the editor of the American Psychology-Law Society Book Series and Associate Editor of Law and Human Behavior. She is also a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, an Advisory Board Member for the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services, and an Editorial Board Member for Psychology, Public Policy, and Law and International Journal of Forensic Mental Health.