Forensic and Legal Psychology: Psychological Science Applied to Law

by Mark Costanzo, Daniel Krauss

Mark Costanzo and Daniel Krauss’s text show students how psychological science can be used to reduce crime, improve legal decision making, and promote justice. Fully integrated discussions of real cases and trials, along with other examples of the legal system in action, show how research and theory can deepen our understanding of suspects, criminals, police, victims, lawyers, witnesses, judges, and jurors.

Genres: School, Psychology, Nonfiction, Reference

1491 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 24, 2010

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Costanzo and Krauss's text Forensic and Legal Psychology: Psychological Science Applied to Law (2nd ed.) because I was considering using it as a text for a class.

I made a good choice. Forensic and Legal Psychology is readable, starts each chapter with great real-world case examples (e.g., Andrea Yates), and is strongly grounded in the science of psychology. It looks at sacred cows in the field and asks whether there is evidence supporting these and under what conditions. For those of you who aren't familiar with the psychological evidence for this field, there are many sacred cows that need to be slaughtered and allowed to fester in the long, hot sun.

I would never make a good juror.

I have resisted using an ebook for a text, even though I read on a kindle and like doing so for several reasons. I read Forensic and Legal Psychology on my iPad using the VitalSource app and, although I needed to fiddle with it a bit to get started, was pretty happy with its features and readability. (I still like the kindle app better, though.)

[Steve Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a text book, did its job. Easy to get through. A little folksy/personal at times, but nothing obnoxious. Seemed to cover everything.

[Katelyn Maimone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this class so much!! sadly we didn’t read every chapter but we read more than half:) psychology is so fascinating and especially now when it’s intertwined w the law

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book even though it's a textbook. Very informative and interesting. It's an easy read and the information is presented in a way that doesn't bore you. I wish I could've bought the book instead renting it but it was so expensive.

[Alyssha Nadeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read it for college

[tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

AH THIS WAS SO INFORMATIVE AND EASY TO DIGEST INFORMATION. I love the layout with a case study before the chapter to help introduce you to ideas and them a deep dove into the topic at hand!

[Dasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty cool, had to read for uni :)