Forensic Psychology: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Lie detection, offender profiling, jury selection, insanity in the law, predicting the risk of re-offending , the minds of serial killers, and many other topics that fill news and fiction are all aspects of the rapidly developing area of scientific psychology broadly known as Forensic Psychology. This fascinating Very Short Introduction discusses all the aspects of psychology that are relevant to the legal and criminal process as a whole. It includes explanations of criminal behavior and criminality, including the role of mental disorder in crime, and it reveals how forensic psychology contributes to helping investigate the crime and catching the perpetrators. David Canter also explains how psychologists provide guidance to all those involved in civil and criminal court proceedings, including both the police and the accused, and what expert testimony can be provided by a psychologist about the offender at the trial. Finally, Canter describes how forensic psychology is used, particularly in prisons, to help in the management, treatment and rehabilitation of offenders, once they have been convicted.

Customer Reviews:

An accessible and relevant introduction to forensic psychology

By Dr. Bojan Tunguz - August 31, 2010

Forensic psychology is a fascinating branch of psychology in its own right. However, much of what most people imagine this field to be comes from crime novels, movies and TV shows, and for most part these fictional accounts are far removed from the actual real-world discipline. This very short introduction aims to dispel most of the myths and misconceptions that surround forensic psychology, and introduce the reader to this intriguing field in an accessible and readable manner.

The book is written from the point of view of forensic psychology as practiced in the UK, although most of the material is relevant for the US and other settings. The author is in fact credited for bringing forensic psychology to the UK, and has extensive knowledge of its practices and applications.

It is important to distinguish forensic psychology from two other fields with which it's often confused: forensic science and criminology. The former deals primarily with the physical aspect of... read more

Short but sophisticated

By W. Cheung "FRACP" - June 6, 2011

As expected this is a very short book. But within its scope, the discussions on the myriad topics are nuanced and captivating. A whole succinct chapter is devoted on why people commit crimes. The heavy interplay between the person and his milieu is very well and thoroughly explained. The concept and nature of the "insanity plea" is also explicated in layman terms. The book also demystifies the so called "profiling" process; it helps but plays a very small role in police work.

As a medical specialist I find the author's discussion on "personality disorders" particularly fascinating and relevant. He offers insight to these types of coniditions that I did not obtain from my medical school training.

The book also talks about the role of the forensic psychologist in helping offenders, victims, and law enforces to rehabilitate, to cope, and to work efficiently. The future of the discipline is also briefly discussed.

Outstanding summary

By Michael J. Kubat - February 2, 2011

This is a much more dignified approach to summarizing whole disciplines than the "For Dummies" and other series. It's well written, informative, and comprehensive in spite of being "very short." I'll turn to this series for other summaries without hesitation. The only trouble is the small type - I know it's necessary in a small book, but mine aged eyes have to work hard while I read it.