Psychological Evaluations for the Courts: A Handbook for Mental Health Professionals and Lawyers, Second Edition

Rating:
Summary: Journeyman's Opinion
Review: Excellent reference, but a little outdated as of this writing (Dec. 2001). Opinions and recommendations of the authors do not in all respects reflect the majority, or even the respectible minority, of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists. Nonetheless, an excellent reference to have in your library to get the overall gist of an issue or a topic at the interface of psychology and the law. Detailed information pertaining to actual practices will need to be located elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Journeyman's Opinion
Review: Excellent reference, but a little outdated as of this writing (Dec. 2001). Opinions and recommendations of the authors do not in all respects reflect the majority, or even the respectible minority, of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists. Nonetheless, an excellent reference to have in your library to get the overall gist of an issue or a topic at the interface of psychology and the law. Detailed information pertaining to actual practices will need to be located elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Best of Breed
Review: I have used this book extensively both as teacher and practitioner for years and it remains the best available text for mental health professionals conducting evaluations for the legal system. It is also an outstanding reference for attorneys litigating mental health issues. Its greatest strength is in the criminal law area, but it is excellent in other areas of the law/mental health interface as well. Psychiatrists should not be deterred by the term "psychological" in the title; it is equally applicable to both disciplines.

Rating:
Summary: Best of Breed
Review: I have used this book extensively both as teacher and practitioner for years and it remains the best available text for mental health professionals conducting evaluations for the legal system. It is also an outstanding reference for attorneys litigating mental health issues. Its greatest strength is in the criminal law area, but it is excellent in other areas of the law/mental health interface as well. Psychiatrists should not be deterred by the term "psychological" in the title; it is equally applicable to both disciplines.

Rating:
Summary: Expertly done survey of the area with practical applications
Review: If you buy only one book to gain an introduction, or update on the area of forensic psychology, this must be it. The authors have gathered legal precedent, research, illustration, and opinion, while retaining readability. It is long - especially with double column pages - but well worth it. An added feature is that the authors, through the publisher, maintain a web site for periodic updates to the book and relevent case law.

Rating:
Summary: Expertly done survey of the area with practical applications
Review: If you buy only one book to gain an introduction, or update on the area of forensic psychology, this must be it. The authors have gathered legal precedent, research, illustration, and opinion, while retaining readability. It is long - especially with double column pages - but well worth it. An added feature is that the authors, through the publisher, maintain a web site for periodic updates to the book and relevent case law.