Introduction to Forensic Psychology ― Clinical and Social Psychological Perspectives

Walker and Shapiro, both of Nova Southeastern University, overview applications of psychology to the law in this text for students in forensic psychology. They survey legal issues and look at how psychology aids in the decision making process, then discuss psychological issues relating to legal cases and legislation, examine common concepts that appear in other legal systems, and present case examples illustrating psychological and legal principles. With information on the latest topics impacting the field, such as reproductive technologies and the new mental health, drug, and domestic violence courts, the book will also be useful to professionals in forensic psychology and corrections. Annotation c2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

David L. Shapiro was Chief of the PreTrial Forensic Division at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington D.C., Chief Psychologist for the Maryland Division of Corrections, and in the independent practice of forensic psychology since 1972. He was one of the first psychologists to be awarded the Diplomate in Forensic Psychology and served a term as President of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology. A Fellow of the American Psychological Association, he served on their Ethics Committee as well as the Ethics Committee of the American Board of Forensic Psychology including a term as its Chair. He taught as an Associate Professor for several years at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC and currently is Associate Professor of Psychology at NSU-CPS.

Leonore E. Walker is author of 12 previous books including the now classic, The Battered Woman (1979). She was awarded an National Institute of Mental Health research grant that gathered the pioneering information to name "battered woman syndrome" and pioneered its introduction in courts around the country helping juries and judges understand why battered women killed in self-defense and were not mentally ill. Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Institute, Walker has engaged in public policy initiatives, research and training in many countries around the world. She has testified before US Congress and worked with NATO, WHO, PAHO, and other governments to assist in developing public policies to help provide safety for battered women and their children. A Fellow in the American Psychological Association, Walker served a term on the Board of Directors and Council of Representatives, chaired the Child Abuse Policy Committee and the Presidential Task Force on Violence and the Family, and was President of several divisions including Society for the Psychology of Women, Psychologists in Independent Practice of Psychology, and Media Psychology. She currently has an independent practice of forensic psychology and is Professor and Coordinator of the Forensic Psychology Concentration in NSU-CPS.