Introduction to Psychology and Law: Canadian Perspectives

Despite the notable Canadian presence in the field of psychology and law, there is currently no comprehensive Canadian textbook on the subject. While a few U.S. textbooks cover the field, they give little or no attention to Canadian law and research. In recognition of this problem, editors Regina Schuller and James Ogloff have put together an authoritative introduction to law and psychology for a Canadian audience. Within the fifteen chapters that comprise the book, leading Canadian scholars cover a wide range of topics spanning the applications of psychology - clinical, social, cognitive, developmental, experimental - in both criminal and civil areas of law. These include memory and eyewitness testimony, the jury, sentencing, competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and many others. The legal system in Canada serves as the backdrop for each of the chapters, which begin with an interesting case or anecdote that introduces the reader to some of the major issues facing psychologists and lawyers in this country. The book offers a compelling introduction to the field and a unique perspective to Canadian readers, especially students in psychology, criminology, and other disciplines in social science and law.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Contributors PART ONE Introduction to Psychology and Law An Introduction to Psychology and Law Regina A. Schuller and James R.P. Ogloff An Introduction to Law and the Canadian Legal System V. Gordon Rose PART TWO Psychological Applications to Criminal Procedure Police Investigations A. Daniel Yarmey Memory in Legal Contexts: Remembering Events, Circumstances, and People J. Don Read, Deborah Connolly, and John W. Turtle The Jury: Selecting Twelve Impartial Peers Neil Vidmar and Regina A. Schuller The Jury: Deciding Guilt and Innocence Regina A. Schuller and Meagan Yarmey Sentencing, Parole, and Psychology Julian V. Roberts PART THREE Introduction to Forensic Clinical Psychology The Assessment and Treatment of Offenders and Inmates: General Considerations James F. Hemphill and Stephen D. Hart The Assessment and Treatment of Offenders and Inmates: Specific Populations Tonia L. Nicholls, James F. Hemphill, Douglas P. Boer, P. Randall Kropp, and Patricia A. Zapf Fitness to Stand Trial and Criminal Responsibility in Canada James R.P. Ogloffand Karen E. Whittemore Violence and Risk Assessment David R. Lyon, Stephen D. Hart, and Christopher D. Webster PART FOUR Introduction to Forensic Civil Psychology Civil Commitment and Civil Competence: Psychological Issues Kevin S. Douglas and William J. Koch Psychology's Intersection with Family Law William J. Koch and Kevin S. Douglas Psychological Injuries and Tort Litigation: Sexual Victimization and Motor Vehicle Accidents Kevin S. Douglas and William J. Koch PART FIVE Conclusion Psychology and Law: Looking Towards the Future James R.P. Ogloff and Regina A. Schuller Appendix: Training Opportunities in Law and Psychology Notes References Subject index Case index