Forensic Psychology - (BPS Textbooks in Psychology) 3rd Edition by David A Crighton & Graham J Towl (Paperback)

About the Book

"Forensic psychology is a broad and growing area which, at its best, draws on a wide range of psychological theories, concepts and research at the interface between law and psychology. This text sets out to reflect the increasing breadth and depth of this work and the challenges inherent in it. It is intended to be a high-quality international textbook for advanced undergraduate students, postgraduates, practitioners and academics from a range of disciplines. A number of key aims are central to this 3rd edition of the text. Firstly, to strike a balance in covering theory, research and practice, making this useful to students, qualified psychologists and those in other professions who draw on forensic psychology in their practice. Each of the authors has sought to provide the highest quality reviews addressing current theory and practice. Secondly there is a stress throughout on new and emerging perspectives on forensic psychology and the role of research in driving these. In this spirit current controversies have not been over simplified or shied away from. Critiques from within and outside forensic psychology have been included, some of which suggest the need for fundamental changes. As with any other intellectual endeavor using scientific methods it also requires the, sometimes painful, discipline of discarding theories, policies and practices that fail when tested (Kuhn, 2012). In the absence of this discipline, practice in forensic psychology ceases to be part of 'science'. A third theme that runs through this book is the importance of ethical practice and respect for human rights, diversity and inclusion. Forensic psychology generally involves the application of psychology in the context of marked difference in power, where ethical and legal concerns may be acute. Scientific approaches alone are therefore not enough. Major areas of forensic psychology in correctional settings, secure hospitals and social care settings, necessarily involve coercion: involving work with those imprisoned in a variety of settings or facing the risk of punishment within legal systems. Here the power imbalances between different groups are starkly exposed and a good understanding of these ethical issues is essential as a starting point in avoiding abuses of the past. The nature of ethical practice and the need to protect human rights is a theme woven through this text and tackled directly by a number of the authors"--

Book Synopsis

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Explore the theory, research, and practice of forensic psychology with this collection of resources from recognized leaders in the field

The newly revised Third Edition of Forensic Psychology delivers insightful coverage of the theory and applications of forensic psychology. The book combines authoritative scholarship with an unprecedented breadth of international coverage and constitutes an essential resource for all aspects of contemporary forensic and criminal psychology.

The new edition addresses issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion in each section, as well as the uses and abuses of power in forensic contexts. The book takes a constructively critical approach to the dominant theories, policy, and practices of today, as opposed to being merely descriptive, and considers new and developing areas, like the prevention of sexual violence at universities.

Forensic Psychology comprehensively addresses the application of modern forensic techniques and practices to the civil and criminal justice systems in the United Kingdom. Each chapter concludes with some specific suggestions for further reading. Additionally, readers will enjoy the inclusion of a wide variety of topics, like:

• A thorough discussion of investigative and clinical practice, including the politics of forensic psychology, offender profiling, eyewitness testimony, and jury decision making
• An examination of clinical and risk assessments, including reviews of the key legal issues and principles involved in risk assessments, the role of structured instruments and protocols, and coverage of actuarial and structured clinical methods
• Discussions of working with criminalized populations in prisons and forensic mental health facilities
• A treatment of psychology in the courts with an emphasis on the courts of England and Wales

Perfect for graduate level students in forensic psychology courses, Forensic Psychology will also earn a place in the libraries of qualified forensic psychologist practitioners and postgraduate students seeking to improve their understanding of forensic psychology with a high-quality international textbook underpinned by considerations of human rights and ethical standards.

From the Back Cover

Explore the theory, research, and practice of forensic psychology with this collection of resources from recognized leaders in the field

The newly revised Third Edition of Forensic Psychology delivers insightful coverage of the theory and applications of forensic psychology. The book combines authoritative scholarship with an unprecedented breadth of international coverage and constitutes an essential resource for all aspects of contemporary forensic and criminal psychology.

The new edition addresses issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion in each section, as well as the uses and abuses of power in forensic contexts. The book takes a constructively critical approach to the dominant theories, policy, and practices of today, as opposed to being merely descriptive, and considers new and developing areas, like the prevention of sexual violence at universities.

Forensic Psychology comprehensively addresses the application of modern forensic techniques and practices to the civil and criminal justice systems in the United Kingdom. Each chapter concludes with some specific suggestions for further reading. Additionally, readers will enjoy the inclusion of a wide variety of topics, like:

• A thorough discussion of investigative and clinical practice, including the politics of forensic psychology, offender profiling, eyewitness testimony, and jury decision making
• An examination of clinical and risk assessments, including reviews of the key legal issues and principles involved in risk assessments, the role of structured instruments and protocols, and coverage of actuarial and structured clinical methods
• Discussions of working with criminalized populations in prisons and forensic mental health facilities
• A treatment of psychology in the courts with an emphasis on the courts of England and Wales

Perfect for graduate level students in forensic psychology courses, Forensic Psychology will also earn a place in the libraries of qualified forensic psychologist practitioners and postgraduate students seeking to improve their understanding of forensic psychology with a high-quality international textbook underpinned by considerations of human rights and ethical standards.

About the Author

David A. Crighton is Hon. Professor of Forensic Psychology at Durham University. He was formally Deputy Chief Psychologist in the UK Ministry of Justice. He is a past Chair of the BPS Expert Witness Advisory Group and a past Secretary and Treasurer of the British Psychological Society, Division of Forensic Psychology.

Graham J. Towl is Professor of Forensic Psychology, Durham University and visiting Clinical Professor, University of Newcastle. He was formally the Chief Psychologist at the Ministry of Justice, UK, and uniquely is the recipient of BPS awards for Distinguished Contributions to Professional practice and forensic academic knowledge. His research interests are wide currently including suicide in prisons and sexual violence at universities.