Law, Behavior, and Mental Health: Policy and Practice

by Steven R. Smith, Robert G. Meyer

This comprehensive new volume on psychology and the law is an essential reference for students and professionals. It offers the most up-to-date information on issues such as malpractive, confidentiality, jury selection, punishment, competency, and the right to refuse treatment.

Two well-known professionals, a lawyer and a clinical psychologist, have teamed up to write this judiciously balanced, clearly presented, and accessible guide to an ever more complex subject. they answer such questions as: What does a lie detector test really tell you? Can law enforcement officials use hypnosis to investigate a crime? Is eyewitness testimony the most reliable and persuasive evidence? Are we living in a more punitive society?

These and other issues are dealt with in a concise, readable manner, one that tells readers how to approach the problems with arise in day-today practive as well as how to think about the fundamental current ethical and legal issues.

Meticulously researched and documented, this important new volume offers a lively presentation, one which is must reading for students of law, and for professionals in both fields who want a complete reference guide.

788 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1987