Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists are increasingly asked to
provide expertise to courts and attorneys in the criminal justice
system. To do so effectively, they must stay abreast of important
advances in the understanding of legal standards as well as new
developments in sophisticated measures and the methods for their
assessment. Fundamentals of Forensic Practice is designed to address
the critical issues that are faced by mental health experts in their
role of conducting assessments, presenting findings, and preparing for
challenges to admissibility and credibility.
Uniquely practical and comprehensive, this volume operationalizes legal
standards and describes empirically validated methods for their
evaluation. Not only is this essential for mental health professionals,
but it is equally valuable to criminal attorneys. Lawyers require both
clinical knowledge and understanding of legal standards in order to
prepare their own experts and to challenge those on the opposing side.
For both clinical and legal experts Fundamentals of Forensic
Practice offers a full view of all phases of criminal proceedings:
- Pretrial-diversion, determinations of bail, waivers of Miranda
rights, and the capacity to consent to searches.
- Trial-competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility. Beyond
insanity, the latter addresses mens rea, automatism, and psychological
context evidence, such as battered-woman syndrome.
- Post-trial-sentencing, capital sentencing, competency to be executed,
and other post-conviction issues.
Other key features include:
- Chapters on specific criminal issues in a consistent format, with
comprehensive coverage of legal standards and relevant clinical methods
- Guidelines for conducting more effective forensic evaluations
- In-depth coverage of specialized assessments, eg. malingering, sexual
predator cases, and the insanity defense.
- A detailed overview of direct and cross-examination strategies
This book is the second collaboration between Rogers and Shuman. As
individual authors, each received the American Psychiatric Association's
prestigious Guttmacher Award for their outstanding contributions to
forensic psychiatry.
