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Legal Responsibilities of Forensic Psychologists

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Abstract

This paper discusses the legal, ethical and professional issues encountered in forensic psychology. Psychological theory and research potentially have much to contribute to legal questions. The paper presents examples of psychology's contributions in the areas of risk assessment, the reliability of children's evidence and the assessment of sexual interest. Furthermore, it is suggested that psychological understanding of personality disorder should inform legal processes to a greater degree than at present. The paper therefore both describes and challenges the current relationship between psychology and the law.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reaside Clinic Birmingham Great Park, Bristol Road South, Birmingham, B45 9BE, U.K

    Brian A. Thomas-Peter

  2. School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, U.K

    Sarah Warren

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  1. Brian A. Thomas-Peter
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  2. Sarah Warren
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Thomas-Peter, B.A., Warren, S. Legal Responsibilities of Forensic Psychologists. Expert Evidence 6, 79–106 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008871314661

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008871314661

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