Drawing on reflections by leading contributors to the field, this volume traces the historical development of forensic psychology and examines the evolution of major areas of forensic assessment, intervention, ethics, and policy. Beginning with the emergence of forensic psychology as a recognized professional specialty, the book explores the growth of board certification, professional standards, and the expanding role of psychological expertise within legal systems.

Rather than presenting a conventional handbook, the volume combines historical analysis, professional reflection, personal experiences, recollections, future ideas and practice-based insight from scholars and practitioners whose work has influenced the development of forensic mental health. It brings together reflections from leading figures about some of the most important topics in forensic psychology, such as:

• Florence Kaslow on the origins and early development of the field
• Gerald Koocher on ethical issues in forensic psychology
• Richard Fredrick on malingering detection
• David Shapiro on insanity defense
• Charles Golden on forensic neuropsychology
• Lenore Walker on battered woman syndrome
• Elaine Ducharme on child custody and wellbeing during and after divorce
• Mark Cunningham on capital sentencing
• Thomas Fagan and Robert Ax on correctional mental health
• Charles Ewing on juvenile forensic psychology
• Kirk Heilbrun, Thomas Grisso, Joel Dvoskin and Stephen Golding on peer group consultation
• David DeMateo on psychology’s contributions in death penalty contexts

By documenting the field’s intellectual and professional trajectory, this book provides a valuable resource for practitioners, researchers and advanced students seeking to understand the history, scope, and continuing evolution of forensic psychology at the intersection of psychology and law. 

Dr. David Shapiro is a Professor Emeritus of the College of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University, where he taught courses in forensic psychology concentration. He has been actively involved in teaching, training, and research in forensic psychology for over fifty years and has published extensively in the field of forensic psychology, both textbooks and peer reviewed articles. He was awarded the Diplomate in Forensic Psychology in 1979 and has been actively involved in teaching and training since that time. He has served on the boards of APA divisions 41, 42, and 46, as well as being President of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology and a board member of the American Board of Forensic Psychology. He has received Distinguished Contribution awards from the California Psychological Association, The American Academy of Forensic Psychology, and Division 42 of the American Psychological Association.