Introduction to Forensic Psychology (PDF)

Dr. Lenore Walker and Dr. David Shapiro are two of the pioneers in the field of forensic psychology. Together with Dr Stephanie Akl, they are professors of psychology at the Nova Southeastern University College of Psychology training doctoral and Master's graduate students studying clinical forensic psychology. They both also have a small independent practice of forensic psychology where they provide evaluations and testimony in cases in the U.S. and other countries.

Dr. Walker became known for her expert witness testimony in high publicity cases where battered women killed their abusive partners. Explaining the counter-intuitive behavior of abused women who do not leave their abusive partners, Walker became known for applying research and clinical practice to criminal, family law, and juvenile cases. She also served as O.J. Simpson's psychologist on his trial as well as televised appearances in other cases. She is author of over 25 books including The Battered Woman Syndrome, 4th Edition, Handbook on Sex Trafficking with Giselle Gaviria & Kalyani Gopal, and Forensic Practice for the Mental Health Clinician with David Shapiro and numerous book chapters and articles in professional journals.



Dr. Shapiro is sometimes known as the 'father' of clinical forensic psychology since many forensic psychologists have taken his courses in the many subfields in forensics. Former chief psychologist for the State of Maryland Department of Corrections and director of pre trial evaluationsfor the forensic division at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Shapiro has followed the development of psychology and the law over forty years specializing in both criminal law and in ethics and malpractice issues. He also served as an expert witness in the Lorena Bobbitt case as well as other high publicity cases. such as John Hinckley.He is author or co-author of over 15 books including Forensic Psychological Assessment: An Integrative Approach, Surviving a