Lie detection, offender profiling, jury selection, insanity in the law, predicting the risk of re-offending , the minds of serial killers and many other topics that fill news and fiction are all aspects of the rapidly developing area of scientific psychology broadly known as Forensic Psychology. Forensic Psychology: A Very Short Introduction discusses all the aspects of psychology that are relevant to the legal and criminal process as a whole. It includes explanations of criminal behaviour and criminality, including the role of mental disorder in crime, and discusses how forensic psychology contributes to helping investigate the crime and catching the perpetrators. It also explains how psychologists provide guidance to all those involved in civil and criminal court proceedings, including both the police and the accused, and what expert testimony can be provided by a psychologist about the offender at the trial. Finally, David Canter examines how forensic psychology is used, particularly in prisons, to help in the management, treatment and rehabilitation of offenders, once they have been convicted. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

This text provides a complete overview of the applications of psychology to the law. Incorporating the contributions of social and clinical psychology, this new text presents the material with an objective view towards the complete scope of the subject matter. In its clear coverage of the fundamentals of this field, it is an invaluable introduction for students, as well as a reference for practitioners.

Drawing on psychological theory and research, this text outlines the core roles of the forensic psychology profession, providing students with a broad overview of the field and bringing to life the work of the forensic psychologists. Written by leading UK practitioners and researchers working in a range of contexts, it invites students to reflect on how psychological literature helps us to understand people in contact with the justice system. Forensic psychology is continually evolving as a discipline and profession, shaping and responding to changes in legal processes, policies and provision. This book highlights the work of forensic psychologists, which covers a range of areas including assessment and intervention, applied research, consultancy and the training and development of staff working in forensic services such as secure services or community settings. Case studies are used to link psychological theory to practice, showcasing the latest developments in the field, and providing students with insights into best practice. The book further challenges myths in the field, encouraging students to humanise human harm and to apply compassion in their understanding of offending behaviour. Each chapter includes tasks and scenarios to promote critical thinking around theory and practice in what is an exciting time to work in this evolving field. As a field of study and a profession within the systems for criminal and civil justice, forensic psychology overlaps and interacts with many other areas within and outside of psychology. As such, this volume details the contribution of forensic psychology to a range of presentations and organisational and professional issues, and is an ideal resource for courses in forensic psychology.

Written by two of the leading authorities in the field, FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY, 3e International Edition introduces you 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. Wrightsman and Fulero present the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists, and address both the opportunities and temptations inherent in those roles. Through this lens, the authors explore the ethical issues facing practicing forensic psychologists, such as promising clients too much, the possibility of becoming advocates rather than objective scientists, and the pitfalls associated with substituting one's values for data. The authors provide an accurate and candid picture of the field, and the range of careers in forensic psychology.

'Enthralling and terrifying. The Dark Side of the Mind is a chilling glimpse into a world of miscreants, monsters and the misunderstood.' Professor Dame Sue Black, author of the Sunday Times bestseller All That Remains 'A stunning, insightful, provocative piece of work. Wonderfully written and full of honesty. A powerful excavation of the world of a forensic psychologist.' Barbara Machin, creator and writer of Waking The Dead 'Kerry Daynes delves into the minds of psychopaths in a fascinating memoir.' Katya Edwards, Daily Mail 'Daynes offers fascinating insights into what makes criminals tick and how they might be more effectively treated. Her book is funny, wise and thoroughly gripping.' Jake Kerridge, writer and critic 'Grimly fascinating - a timely and gripping exploration of mental health issues in the criminal justice system from an author intimately acquainted with its dark heart.' Harriet Tyce, author of Blood Orange 'Kerry Daynes writes with knowledgeable insight on a side of people - and the criminal system that purports to treat them - that many would prefer to leave alone. The humour and psychological skills that have enabled her survival shine through.' Jessica Fellowes, author of The Mitford Murders Welcome to the world of the forensic psychologist, where the people you meet are wildly unpredictable and often frightening. The job: to delve into the psyche of convicted men and women to try to understand what lies behind their often brutal actions. Follow in the footsteps of Kerry Daynes, one of the most sought-after forensic psychologists in the business and consultant on major police investigations. Kerry's job has taken her to the cells of maximum-security prisons, police interview rooms, the wards of secure hospitals and the witness box of the court room. Her work has helped solve a cold case, convict the guilty and prevent a vicious attack. Spending every moment of your life staring into the darker side of life comes with a price. Kerry's frank memoir gives an unforgettable insight into the personal and professional dangers in store for a female psychologist working with some of the most disturbing men and women. If you enjoyed Unnatural Causes, When the Dogs Don't Bark and Prison Doctor you'll love Kerry's gripping account of her experience as a forensic psychologist.

This book is a broad introduction to the field of forensic psychology. While students most often associate forensic psychology with criminal profiling, crime-scene investigations, and serial murder, this text covers the many other areas where psychology has played a significant role in providing research knowledge to the civil and criminal justice systems. The book is a readable summary of contemporary research and practice across a broad spectrum of topics. Practical applications are discussed where pertinent, and case law discussions are found throughout the text. This book is designed for undergraduate and graduate students studying forensic psychology in psychology, criminal justice, and criminology courses. This book will also be of interest to mental health professionals and anyone looking for a basic overview of the field. New to the Third Edition: - more real-life cases, new guest essays, and 2-3 new photos per chapter involve students in the 'human side' of forensic psychology - new information on timely topics - such as relationships between mental disorders and crime and violence, sexual deviance, death penalty mitigation, restorative justice initiatives, arson and typologies of juvenille offenders, sexual harassment, and criminal sentencing - new focus boxes cover drug courts, doctoral programs in forensic psychology, the 'choking game', the Innocence Project, bias crime, and many others - a greater emphasis on clinical psychology throughout - thoroughly revised coverage of police psychology - substantially re-organized material on profiling - revised and expanded lecturer resources and student study site Key Features of the Third Edition: - broad coverage makes the text ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students of both criminology and psychology - exposes readers to the many careers related to forensic psychology - concentrates on the application side of the field, focusing on research-based forensic practice to emphasize the use of psychological knowledge, concepts, and principles - emphasises the multicultural perspective that is an integral part of the day-to-day work of all practicing and research psychologists - in-text learning aids include chapter-opening learning objectives, chapter-ending review questions, chapter summaries, and a glossary of key terms.

This is a concise, engaging overview of forensic psychology, spanning its origins as a discipline through the many varied opportunities for employment today. In easy-to-understand language, the book describes federal and state legal systems as they interface with psychological constructs, and presents several chapters focusing on specific areas of the discipline, from criminal matters and ethical issues to family court and juvenile justice. The roles of the forensic psychologist and attorney in court proceedings are addressed and clarified, and landmark cases are highlighted to demonstrate key concepts and how forensic psychologists can influence the law. The book provides a legal foundation that forensic psychologists need to succeed in the profession, and highlights the methodological and assessment tools needed to evaluate clients and other individuals. Fascinating case studies—presented as “briefs” to highlight important facts and issues— and commentary by nationally renowned forensic psychologists and attorneys bring concepts to life, and call-out boxes are interspersed throughout describing relevant current events and profiling day-to-day work in the field. Chapter overviews, summaries, and discussion questions reinforce the book’s content. Key Features: Delivers a realistic overview of what it is like to be a forensic psychologist Helps students to make informed career choices by highlighting different areas of practice Introduces students to key legal information they need to succeed in the field Highlights the methodological and assessment tools to evaluate clients and validate scientific credibility of the field Describes actual cases rulings to demonstrate key concepts and how forensic psychologists influence the law Authored by an individual who is an attorney, a former law school professor, and a current PhD associate professor of forensic psychology