Forensic Assessments in Criminal and Civil Law

A Handbook for Lawyers

Ronald Roesch editor Patricia A Zapf editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc

Published:13th Sep '12

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Forensic Assessments in Criminal and Civil Law cover

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.

"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

ISBN: 9780199766857

Dimensions: 257mm x 183mm x 25mm

Weight: 726g

312 pages