Ebook: Handbook of Forensic Sociology and Psychology

Since their emergence as social sciences, psychology and sociology have found a natural home in the justice system. And while the term forensics often translates into CSI scenarios in the public imagination, the bulk of the work takes place in the courtroom, where lawyers, judges, and jurors rely on psychology and sociology experts for aid in decision making. The Handbook of Forensic Sociology and Psychology offers comprehensive, straightforward coverage of the impact of social science on the spectrum of civil and criminal legal issues. This unique reference guides readers through the work of professionals in both fields as expert witnesses, as consultants before and during trials, and in critiquing legal and law enforcement procedure. Offering expert insights into the making and breaking of laws, contributors analyze forensic psychology and sociology theories and methods used in areas as diverse as immigration, divorce and family, product liability, and employment and education related litigation. A range of evaluative procedures, from custody to competency, child abuse to the death penalty, is examined as well. Other topics featured in the Handbook include: The problem of interrogation-induced false confession. The role of the gang expert in court. Gender analysis in military court-martials. Sociological theory and methods in suicide litigation. Psychosocial theories about anger and their relevance in litigation. Neuropsychological testing standards and ethics. The Handbook of Forensic Sociology and Psychology opens out this increasingly important field for criminologists, and gives researchers in forensic psychology and sociology clear insights into challenges and opportunities facing these fields.;Evolving practice parameters of forensic criminology / Daniel B. Kennedy -- The work of the sociologist as mitigation expert in cases of violent crime / Craig J. Forsyth -- "Oh, stop that cursed jury" : the role of the forensic psychologist in the mitigation phase of the death penalty trial / Valerie McClain, Elliot Atkins, and Michael L. Perlin -- The problem of interrogation-induced false confession: sources of failure in prevention and detention / Deborah Davis and Richard A. Leo -- Brainwashing as forensic evidence / James T. Richardson -- Target selection by criminal groups and gangs / Rosemary J. Erickson and Sandra J. Erickson -- Gangs in the workplace / Michael J. Witkowski -- The role of a gang expert in court / Lisa Taylor-Austin -- Competence to proceed and juvenile courts / Daniel L. Davis and Terrance J. Kukor -- Competency evaluations for adult defendants / Daisy Switzer -- Neuropsychological evaluations of Hispanics / Inés Monguió -- Sociological testimony in employment- and education-related litigation / Stephen J. Morewitz -- Preventing workplace violence and litigation through pre-employment screening and enforcement of workplace conduct expectations / Tessa Sugahara and Kenji Sugahara -- Critical issues in the evolving diagnosis of PTSD / John P. Bair and Kathleen M. Long -- Sociological evidence in suicide litigation / Stephen J. Morewitz -- Sociological data in malpractice lawsuits / Stephen J. Morewitz -- Sociological testimony in long-term care litigation / Stephen J. Morewitz -- Sociological testimony and evidence in product liability litigation / Stephen J. Morewitz -- Sociological evidence in human factors-related litigation / Stephen J. Morewitz -- Sociological testimony in alcohol- and other drug-associated litigation / Stephen J. Morewitz -- Sociological theory and methods in toxic tort lawsuits / Stephen J. Morewitz -- Child custody evaluations / Mark L. Goldstein -- Parental alienation / Demosthenes Lorandos -- Anger / A. Antonio González-Prendes -- Forensic evaluation of child abuse / Daniel S. Lobel -- Sociological evidence in abuse litigation / Stephen J. Morewitz -- Using expert witnesses in immigration hearings/court / Philip M, Levin and Stephen J. Morewitz -- Forensic sociology: the case of honor killing in the Muslim world / Shaul Gabbay -- Courting media: mass media studies of immigration courts / Katherine R. Abbott -- Sociological evidence in military courts-martial pertaining to war crimes / Stjepan G. Mestrovic -- Gender matters! Socio-legal studies, courts-martial, and the U.S. military / Ryan Ashley Caldwell.