Psychology and Law (Paperback)

Psychology and law are disciplines and professions that seem to be, at first glance, quite distinct and separate - but in reality their congruences are many and varied - psychologists frequently appear in court as expert witnesses; and they often actively research topics that are directly related to law and legal practice. Similarly, lawyers and other legal professional often face questions in their professional practice that are inherently psychological in nature. This text introduces the reader to some of the intersections of psychology and law. Each chapter includes learning objectives, exercises and a detailed reference section. Topics addressed in psychology and law include: psychological assessment in forensic settings; crime and policing; child custody assessment; the detection of deception and truthfulness; eyewitness testimony and identification; the role and treatment of child witnesses in legal proceedings; assessing dangerousness and the risk of violence; the psychologist as expert witness; investigative psychology and psychological profiling; psychology and human rights; insanity and diminished capacity defences.