Forensic Consultation

This chapter begins with a discussion of standards for providing written reports of forensic evaluations. It then discusses the competencies involved when forensic psychologists function as formal consultants.

Supervision, Training, and Management

This chapter presents an overview of some of the common problems identified with forensic reports, before discussing the principles of training that have been developed to address those issues. It then focuses on issues relevant to forensic psychologists who develop and manage forensic systems.

Conceptual Foundations of Forensic Psychology

This chapter summarizes the legal knowledge domains that are relevant to forensic psychologists. It begins with an overview of the US legal system and then discusses legal concepts relevant to substantive areas of forensic practice, based on case law and statutes.

Ethics

This chapter begins by discussing the categories of ethical issues raised specifically in forensic practice and providing examples of how these issues are addressed by the APA Code of Conduct and the SGFP. It then presents vignettes of ethical conflicts that arise when one is providing forensic psychological services.

Assessment Strategies

This chapter focuses on aspects of forensic assessment that are different from assessments in other specialties. It first discusses three general concepts that influence all parts of the forensic assessment process, before reviewing how those are applied to three parts of the assessment process: method selection, the data collection process, and communication of results.

Definition of Forensic Psychology

This chapter begins by deconstructing the definition used for APA recognition of the specialty. It discusses the ways that the specialty of forensic psychology is different from, and similar to, other related professional fields, activities, and identities. This is followed by a brief history of the development of forensic psychology, from its roots in the late nineteenth century to its recognition by APA as a specialty in the early twenty-first century. Finally, it outlines the boundaries of forensic psychology in three ways: its unique knowledge base and skill sets, the problems that it addresses, and the populations that it serves.

Laws Relevant to the Practice of Forensic Psychology

This chapter focuses on the laws related to the practice of psychology, with particular emphasis on those issues that directly impact forensic practitioners. It begins with a broad discussion of laws pertaining to confidentiality and privilege of communications to psychologists as well as their applicability to forensic evaluations. It then discusses expert witness testimony, including issues of qualifications of experts, criteria for acceptance of expertise by the court, and liability issues related to expert testimony. The chapter concludes with a discussion of interjurisdictional practice, which is particularly relevant to forensic psychologists who may have specialized expertise in a particular area and are retained to work on cases in states in which they are not licensed.

Interpersonal Dimensions of the Forensic Relationship

This chapter begins with a focus on those elements that characterize the nature of the forensic psychologist’s relationship to examinees, emphasizing the different orientation required relative to therapeutic work. It then moves on to discuss issues of cultural diversity that specifically impact forensic evaluations, followed by a description of the interpersonal dynamics that forensic psychologists have with other parties, including collateral informants, attorneys, and the trier of fact (judge or jury).

Scientific Foundations of Forensic Psychology

This chapter discusses the conceptual and scientific bases for some important areas of research that inform forensic practice. Before proceeding, however, it is worthwhile to consider some core principles for applying scientific inquiry and methods in forensic evaluations.