From Book News, Inc.
Wrightsman (psychology, University of Kansas) and Fulero, a practicing attorney and psychologist, offer a broad introduction to the application of psychological research, theory, and practice to the resolution of legal questions. The text covers the roles that forensic psychologists play in the legal system, using empirical data and real cases to illustrate points. An extensive list of references includes psychological and legal texts, scientific journals, court cases, law reviews, and popular periodicals. This second edition combines some chapters and adds a new chapter on risk assessment.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
Written by two of the leading authorities in the field, FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY, Second Edition introduces students to the practice of forensic psychology by showing readers how psychologists aid the legal system by serving as expert witnesses, criminal profilers, and trial consultants for jury selection and child custody hearings. Wrightsman and Fulero present the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists, and addresses both the opportunities and temptations inherent in those roles. Through this lens, the authors explore the ethical issues facing practicing forensic psychologists, such as promising clients too much, the possibility of becoming advocates rather than objective scientists, and the pitfalls associated with substituting one's values for data. Wrightsman and Fulero provide students with an accurate and candid picture of the field, and the range of careers in forensic psychology.


Book Info
Univ. of Kansas, Kansas City. Textbook includes a broad focus exposing the reader to a wide array of career opportunities. Includes coverage of clinical forensic psychology with practical information, case studies, and a discussion of the history of the field. For students.


About the Author
Lawrence S. Wrightsman is professor of Psychology at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Wrightsman is an author or editor of ten other books relevant to the legal system, including PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM, FIFTH EDITION, THE AMERICAN JURY ON TRIAL, and JUDICIAL DECISION MAKING: IS PSYCHOLOGY RELEVANT? He was invited to contribute the entry on the law and psychology for the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PSYCHOLOGY, sponsored by the American Psychological Association and published by Oxford University Press. His research topics include jury selection procedures, reactions to police interrogations, and the impact of judicial instructions. He has also served as a trial consultant and testified as an expert witness. Wrightsman is a former president of both the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and the Society of Personality and Social Psychology. In 1998 he was the recipient of a Distinguished Career Award from the American Psychology-Law Society.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Written by two of the leading authorities in the field, Forensic Psychology, Second Edition introduces students to the practice of forensic psychology by showing readers how psychologists aid the legal system by serving as expert witnesses, criminal profilers, and trial consultants for jury selection and child custody hearings. Wrightsman and Fulero present the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists, and addresses both the opportunities and temptations inherent in those roles. Through this lens, the authors explore the ethical issues facing practicing forensic psychologists, such as promising clients too much, the possibility of becoming advocates rather than objective scientists, and the pitfalls associated with substituting one's values for data. Wrightsman and Fulero provide students with an accurate and candid picture of the field, and the range of careers in forensic psychology.

SYNOPSIS