Forensic Psychology, 1st edition

For undergraduate, graduate, and law school courses in forensic psychology; and for criminology courses that cover forensic psychology.

This book presents a clear, complete picture of forensic psychology, covering both psychological and legal principles, and demonstrating their connections through actual case law and clinical examples. Dr. Jack Kitaeff first reviews the field’s history, and the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of practitioners. Next, he addresses criminological aspects of forensic psychology, examining theories of aggression and violent crime; non-violent crimes; and topics ranging from serial killing to terrorism. He thoroughly reviews forensic psychologists’ roles in law enforcement and the U.S. criminal justice system, and covers crucial issues such as repressed memories, novel syndromes, the workplace, children, families, and treatment.

HALLMARK FEATURES

Thorough coverage of all critical issues in contemporary forensic psychology–including topics missed orunderrepresented in other texts, such as scientific jury selection

• Captures students’ attention with up-to-date, highly-relevant coverage
• Prepares students for the realities of work in contemporary forensic psychology

Prediction of dangerousness, profiling, and their limitations–assesses the state-of-the-art models of criminal and psychological profiling, and addresses the limits of such profiling at predicting an individuals’ future danger to society.  This is done through a review of the current psychological literature as well as a review of relevant and illustrative case law.

• Helps students understand both the capabilities and limitations of the state-of-the-art methods and models used in forensic psychology

Psychology of terrorism–thoroughly examines various forms of terrorism and cults operating domestically and worldwide, with exhaustive coverage of the psychological underpinnings of terrorist activities

• Gives students insights into the application of forensic psychology in national security 

Intervention models and treatment regimens–covers intervention models and treatment regimens is such venues as mental health courts, alternate dispute resolution, mediation, sexual abuse offender rehabilitation, restoration of competency, and programs aimed at treating the victims of domestic violence, child abuse, PTSD victims, and more.

• Helps students understand and compare options in treatment and rehabilitation that forensic psychologists may be called upon to evaluate, recommend, or engage in.

Violence in multiple settings–including family, workplace, and school violence

• Helps students understand the full spectrum of crimes that forensic psychologists may be called upon to address, prevent, and intervene. 

Psychological syndromes and their abuse in the legal system–including a discussion of how the legal system has been manipulated by the use of psychological syndrome evidence used as a defense or as a means of avoiding legal liability, and how this can be avoided

• Helps students clearly assess the legitimacy of psychological claims that are made within the rubric of forensic psychology

Education and training of forensic psychologists–including clinical and experimental training models, closely allied disciplines, and Ph.D., Psy.D., and Ph.D./J.D. programs

• Gives students realistic insights into the preparation they will need to become both academic and practicing forensic psychologists 

End-of-chapter Web resources and links–provides easy access to additional authoritative information

• Connects students with resources for gaining a deeper understanding, including professional-level resources they may use as working forensic psychologists 

Comprehensive learning tools–including concise, discrete goals and objectives for each chapter, research and clinical examples, key terms, review questions, and a complete glossary at the end of the book

• Promotes effective learning and rapid mastery 

Sample forensic report–presents a detailed example of the types of reports working forensic psychologists must provide

• Gives students deeper practical insight into the work forensic psychologists actually perform on a day-to-day basis 

Authoritative instructor’s resources–including multiple-choice question bank and PowerPoint presentations for each chapter

• Provides the tools instructors need to meet their instructional goals efficiently and effectively