American Psychology-Law Series – serie

This timely volume provides authoritative, integrated coverage of the developmental science relevant to youth who self-incriminate, with implications for practice and policy.In recent years there has been a surge in empirical research on confessions and pleas in general, and among youth specifically. Reforms have been proposed, and some have been adopted. However, in many ways youth continue to be treated either the same as adults or with well-intended but misguided procedures based on “common sense” rather than robust developmental science. Growing interest in this topic, coupled with a high volume of scholarship that is not yet reflected in policy, makes the time ripe for this book.Chapters in the volume demonstrate that developmental science should be front and center when it comes to confessions and guilty pleas of youth, how the legal contexts surrounding confessions and guilty pleas are fraught with risk for youth overall—but especially for those facing systemic disparities—and that there are ways to improve outcomes for youth suspects and defendants. An international group of renowned experts review research and theory, examine current practice and procedure, and provide suggestions for empirically-based reform. A comprehensive, first-of-its kind work, the book links developmental science with applied scholarship and analysis to help inform practice, and to facilitate the development of empirically supported policy and law that takes appropriate account of the developmental capabilities and limitations of youth suspects and defendants.Intended for researchers, practitioners, and students across a range of fields, including psychology, law, criminal justice, social work, and law enforcement, this book will be a must-read for all who are interested in understanding youth self-incrimination.

This comprehensive text describes the science and practice of child forensic interviewing, with an emphasis on child abuse cases. For the forensic interviewer, eliciting descriptions of childhood assaults, at any age, is no easy task. Over the last several decades, research on children and the law has greatly expanded, especially on the topics of forensic interviewing, memory, suggestibility, linguistic development, and social and emotional development. This area of study and practice is especially concerned with both false denials and false allegations. These concerns have led to the development of useful evidence-informed protocols, but there is still more research to be done. This book offers a holistic overview of current research directions and policy implications regarding child witnesses’ interactions with the legal system, including the long-term outcomes after their initial involvement. Children and families impacted by the trauma of a sexual assault, or the trauma of a false report, can experience lasting mental and physical effects. Children are especially vulnerable to experiencing distress when interacting with the legal process. This volume covers the best techniques that minimize further distress when child witnesses are involved in legal proceedings, and illustrates how best to deal with the inevitable stressors. Chapters delve into interviewing methods, social support, child understanding of legal proceedings, true versus false reporting, and countering juror bias.

A guide to evaluating minors in personal injury cases that describes the relevant legal framework, applicable psychological principles, and pertinent methodology. This clear, comprehensive, and accessible resource provides readers with the essential knowledge and skills they need to become effective personal injury evaluators for cases involving minors. With a lens on the legal landscape, including tort law, legal issues particular to minors, general standards and rules, Jemour Maddux examines psychological principles that are foundational to minor evaluations including developmental psychology, child and adolescent psychopathology, malingering, and psychological responses to pain. Practical chapters offer procedural instructions concerning preparing for the evaluation, determining exam accommodations, conducting the assessment process, integrating culturally sensitive data into analyses, writing reports, and avoiding common ethical pitfalls. Injuries subsequent to child abuse, traumatic brain injury, and other medical injuries are highlighted.