Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Dr. Lenore Walker and Dr. David Shapiro are two of the pioneers in the field of forensic psychology. Together with Dr Stephanie Akl, they are professors of psychology at the Nova Southeastern University College of Psychology training doctoral and Master’s graduate students studying clinical forensic psychology. They both also have a small independent practice of forensic psychology where they provide evaluations and testimony in cases in the U.S. and other countries. Dr. Walker became known for her expert witness testimony in high publicity cases where battered women killed their abusive partners. Explaining the counter-intuitive behavior of abused women who do not leave their abusive partners, Walker became known for applying research and clinical practice to criminal, family law, and juvenile cases. She also served as O.J. Simpson’s psychologist on his trial as well as televised appearances in other cases. She is author of over 25 books including The Battered Woman Syndrome, 4th Edition, Handbook on Sex Trafficking with Giselle Gaviria & Kalyani Gopal, and Forensic Practice for the Mental Health Clinician with David Shapiro and numerous book chapters and articles in professional journals.   Dr. Shapiro is sometimes known as the ‘father’ of clinical forensic psychology since many forensic psychologists have taken his courses in the many subfields in forensics. Former chief psychologist for the State of Maryland Department of Corrections and director of pre trial evaluationsfor  the forensic division at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Shapiro has followed the development of psychology and the law over forty years specializing in both criminal law and in ethics and malpractice issues. He also served as an expert witness in the Lorena Bobbitt case  as well as other high publicity cases. such as John Hinckley.He is author or co-author of over 15 books including Forensic Psychological Assessment: An Integrative Approach, Surviving a Licensing Board Complaint, Malpractice in Psychology: A Practical Resource for Clinicians, Risk Assessment in Clinical Practice, Best Practices for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System, and Retrying Leopold and Loeb: A Neuropsychological Perspective along with Walker in the  Forensic Practice for the Mental Health Clinician and numerous book chapters and articles in professional journals.   Dr. Stephanie Akl, is in the independent practice of forensic psychology after graduating from the Nova Southeastern University College of Psychology’s clinical forensic program. She is currently an adjunct professor there training doctoral and master’s degree in clinical forensic psychology. She has specialized in family psychology and in assessment and treatment of those experiencing trauma and abuse. She has testified in cases where abused women and children have killed their abusers in self-defense in various states across the U.S. She has developed a virtual reality program for helping train psychologists who want to work in the problem-solving courts after studying the mental health court.

• Part I What is Forensic Psychology.- Introduction to Forensic Psychology.- Models of Legal Systems.- Admissibility of Expert Testimony.- Part II Understanding the Criminal Mind.- Criminal Responsibility.- Competency to Stand Trial.- Self-Defense and Syndrome Testimony.- Clinical Assessment in Forensic Settings.- Psychological Interventions in Forensic Settings.- Therapeutic Jurisprudence and Best Practices.- Part III Can Psychologists Measure Pain and Suffering?.- Civil Law and Personal Injury.- Involuntary Commitment and Other Civil Liberties.- Malpractice.- Part IV Family Law and Fitness to Parent.- Marriage and Divorce.- Access to and Protection of Children (in family law).- Reproductive Rights and the Law.- Part V Juvenile Justice.- Delinquency.- School & Workplace Violence.- Legal Rights of Children.- Part VI Social Psychology and Legal Consultation.- Discrimination and Sexual Harassment.- Eyewitness Identification.- Jury Selection and Trial Consultation.- Part VII Practical Tips for Forensic Psychology Experts.- Forensic Experts and Attorneys: Communication Process.- Risk Management in Forensic Psychology Practice.