Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Part I What is Forensic  Psychology.- Introduction to Forensic Psychology.- Models of Legal Systems.- Admissibility of Expert Testimony.- Part II    Understanding the Criminal Mind.- Criminal Responsibility.- Competency to Stand Trial.- Self-Defense and Syndrome Testimony.- Clinical Assessment in Forensic Settings.- Psychological Interventions in Forensic Settings.- Therapeutic Jurisprudence and Best Practices.- Part III   Can Psychologists Measure Pain and Suffering?.- Civil Law and Personal Injury.- Involuntary Commitment and Other Civil Liberties.- Malpractice.- Part IV  Family Law and Fitness to Parent.- Marriage and Divorce.- Access to and Protection of Children (in family law).- Reproductive Rights and the Law.- Part V   Juvenile Justice.- Delinquency.- School & Workplace Violence.- Legal Rights of Children.- Part VI    Social Psychology and Legal Consultation.- Discrimination and Sexual Harassment.- Eyewitness Identification.- Jury Selection and Trial Consultation.- Part VII   Practical Tips for Forensic Psychology Experts.- Forensic Experts and Attorneys: Communication Process.- Risk Management in Forensic Psychology Practice.

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 Licensing