Forensic Assessments in Criminal and Civil Law: A Handbook for Lawyers
Edited by Ronald Roesch and Patricia A. Zapf
Abstract
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, this online guide provides insight into what to expect from forensic mental health evaluations, and how to navigate these assessments with skill and competence. The resource 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.
Keywords:
forensic mental health assessment,
criminal responsibility,
civil commitment,
workplace disability,
child custody,
competence to stand trial,
violence,
juveniles,
jury selection,
eyewitness identification
Bibliographic Information
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- Print Publication Date:
- Dec 2012
- Print ISBN-13:
- 9780199766857
- Published online:
- Jul 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med:psych/9780199766857.001.0001
Authors
Ronald Roesch,
editor
Professor of Psychology and Director, Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute, Simon Fraser University
Patricia A. Zapf,
editor
Associate Professor of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York
