Forensic Mental Health Assessment in Criminal Contexts: Key Concepts and Cases

A comprehensive guide to mental health case law, covering forensic psychological and neuropsychological assessment, ethical issues, and legal cases. It is valuable for forensic professionals, legal professionals, criminal justice departments, and law schools.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 374 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive compendium significantly enhances the comprehension of mental health case law, rendering it immensely accessible to practicing forensic professionals. The book is organized into two distinct sections, the first of which delves into elucidating crucial topics related to forensic psychological and forensic neuropsychological assessment. The second section stands as a standalone compilation of captivating legal cases, each with profound relevance to mental health and legal professionals who are intrigued by the impact of mental health disorders on criminal behavior among juveniles and adults.

The book commences with an introductory primer on abnormal behavior, exploring the intricate connections between criminal behavior and mental health disorders. It proceeds to provide a comprehensive account of the process involved in forensic psychological and forensic neuropsychological evaluations, encompassing a detailed discussion of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which govern the generation of evidence during the mental health evaluation. Moreover, the book delves into psychometric concepts, encompassing reliability, validity, sensitivity, and specificity, as well as an exploration of the interplay between science and the law. This includes a thoughtful examination of the distinction between science and pseudoscience, the diverse sources of law (such as constitutions, statutes, and case law), and how the intellectually rigorous practice of law shares similarities with the enterprise of science. Ethical considerations faced by forensic mental health workers are also addressed.

The second section of the book, titled "Legal Cases for the Forensic Mental Health Professional," presents an alphabetical summary of significant and intriguing legal cases that hold relevance for mental health professionals. These cases offer practical significance while succinctly summarizing complex legal decisions through a neuropsychological lens, enabling both legal and psychological communities to gain a deeper understanding of these matters.

In conclusion, this invaluable compendium serves as a vital resource for advancing the understanding of mental health case law, facilitating its accessibility to practicing forensic professionals. By dividing the content into two sections, the book provides a comprehensive exploration of forensic psychological and forensic neuropsychological assessment, while also offering a rich collection of legal cases that shed light on the impact of mental health disorders on criminal behavior. The inclusion of an introductory primer on abnormal behavior, psychometric concepts, and the interplay between science and the law makes the book particularly valuable for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and expertise in this field.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367644994