Homicide: A Psychiatric Perspective. Second Edition

Abstract

stress disorder in juveniles, or Bhot topics[ like school shootings are also lacking. Although the basic requirements of a child custody evaluation are provided, evaluators who need to understand some of the more complex issues such as parental alienation and move-away cases should be directed to other resources. So what sets the third edition of Psychological Evaluations for the Courts apart? First and foremost, it is a Bhow to[ for working with the courts, laden with legal scholarship. Dr. Melton has significant background in child-related issues. He was the former president of Child Watch and a past President of the American Psychological Association’s Child and Family Services Section. The other authors are pioneering legal scholars and forensic psychologists, who have made important contributions to the field of forensic psychology. Given this expertise, the authors cover areas that are fundamental to understanding and applying psychiatric knowledge to the legal arena extremely well. Failure to appreciate the core principles of the science of forensic psychiatry often undermines the efficacy of the opinions of well-meaning but untrained clinicians. The distinctions between clinical and forensic assessments are certainly identified and stated, as are ethical concerns and double agency. There is also a section dedicated to criminal processes as they relate to special populations such as mentally retarded and juvenile defendants. Finally, the authors offer detailed guidelines on how to systematically collect the diverse data streams that are necessary to render an informed opinion and include helpful templates. The sample reports are diverse and succinct and highlight the key elements that the courts require from practitioners. There is a relatively small section in this book that is dedicated toward juveniles and covers four separate topics: juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect, child custody and divorce, and education and habilitation. However, there are many other parts of the book relevant to child and adolescent psychiatrists who interface with the courts. These include discussions of Miranda warnings, malingering, juvenile defendants within the adult criminal court, and issues of insanity evaluations. Moreover, 175 pages of endnotes provide a wealth of legal and scientific references. These endnotes are a useful addition to the book’s chapters, with examples and brief discussions that help anchor the didactic material and provide an avenue for those who are interested to do more research in these areas. There is also a short but helpful glossary that both mental health professionals and officers of the court will find helpful. In conclusion, the strength of this book lies in the fact that it is written predominantly from a legal perspective and therefore offers mental health professionals insight into that different realm. Psychological Evaluations for the Courts is an invaluable resource for child and adolescent psychiatrists