Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Bruce A. Arrigo9780120643509, 0120643502

Introduction to Forensic Psychology is an original approach to understanding how psychologists impact the research, practice, and policy of crime, law, and justice. Written specifically for students, lay professionals, and practitioners, the text systematically examines police, court, and correctional aspects of forensic psychology. By further subdividing the text into the adult, juvenile, family, and civil components of forensic psychology, the author brings interdependence and overlap among these dimensions and the three broad thematic areas themselves into sharp, clear, and compelling focus. Contained within each of the 12 substantive chapters are series of timely issues or controversies that provocatively capture the significance of these relationships. Selected topics include incarceration of the mentally ill, the police as mediators in prison, competency to stand trial, treatment refusal rights, police stress and suicide, and sex offender treatment.
Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Issues and Controversies in Crime and Justice presents the debates about psychology, crime, law, and the intersections in an accessible, jargon-free fashion. It is a cross-disciplinary text relevant to the fields of psychology, law, criminal justice, social work, and public policy.
Key Features
* Integrative approach to the study of psychology, crime, and law
* Systematically focuses on police, court, and correctional dynamics of forensic psychology
* Canvasses the adult, juvenile, family, and civil aspects of forensic psychology with “cutting edge” issues or controversies
* A comprehensive sweep of important and provocative topics throughout the field, based on reader-friendly prose
* Relies heavily on case illustrations to guide the reader throughout each topic presented