| Abstract: | Reviews the book, Behavioral scientists in courts and corrections by James T. Ziegenfuss Jr. (1985). Ziegenfuss has put together a systematic account of the activities of behavioural scientists in courts and corrections in a manner that is both coherent and impressive. The book succeeds in its goal of linking law and behavioural science largely because Ziegenfuss provides powerful examples and numerous case studies that illustrate concretely the applications that are possible in the psychology/law interface. Ziegenfuss had three main objectives for the book: to define the functions of behavioural scientists in courts and corrections, to illustrate how these functions contribute meaningfully to court and correctional organizations, and to provide behavioural scientists with an understanding of their potential contributions. Generally, these three objectives are well met. Nevertheless, there are some omissions that are surprising. Although there are several things that I would like to have seen in this book (e.g., a discussion of the law and economics movement), the most conspicuously absent features are discussions of training and discussions of ethics. In fairness to Ziegenfuss, training and ethical issues were not a part of his explicitly stated purposes in the book. I recommend this book for behavioural scientists who are working or intend to work in the legal system. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
