The Psychology of Interrogations and Confessions: A Handbook (Wiley Series in Psychology of Crime, Policing and Law) [Hardcover]

Gisli H. Gudjonsson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Wiley Series in Psychology of Crime, Policing and Law | Publication Date: January 10, 2003

This volume, a sequel to The Psychology of Interrogations, Confessions and Testimony which is widely acclaimed by both scientists and practitioners, brings the field completely up-to-date and focuses in particular on aspects of vulnerability, confabulation and false confessions.

The is an unrivalled integration of scientific knowledge of the psychological processes and research relating to interrogation, with the practical investigative and legal issues that bear upon obtaining, and using in court, evidence from interrogations of suspects.


* Accessible style which will appeal to academics, students and practitioners
* Authoritative integration of theory, research, practical implications and vivid case illustration
* Coverage of topical issues like confabulation, false memory, and false confessions
Part of the Wiley Series in The Psychology of Crime, Policing and Law

Editorial Reviews

Review

"…a comprehensive and authorative handbook that demonstrates the crucial relationship between research and practice…" (Internet Book Reviews, 17 January 2003)

"…this book will quickly become the standard reference in its field…an invaluable compendium of knowledge for researchers and academics…" (Personality & Ind. Differences)

“…an impressive scholarly achievement…the ideal source book for understanding the risks of false confessions…clear practical guidance…” (Santa Clara Law Review, 43 (1485), 2003)

“…an invaluable resource as it provides a wealth of relevant knowledge…a well-written and well-structured book… (Jnl of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, Jan 2004)

“…no-one has contributed more to our understanding of interrogations and confessions…not simply a new edition of the 1992 classic…” (The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, 42 (5), Dec 2003)

“…invaluable for any lawyer considering miscarriages of justice cases…should be carefully considered by all criminal defence representatives…” (The Psychologist, 1 Jan 04)

From the Back Cover

False confessions do occur and no legal system can afford to deny that serious mistakes have been, and will continue to be, made without radical change.

The impact of psychological research and expert testimony on legal changes, police practice and legal judgements in England and Northern Ireland is unparalleled in the rest of the world and valuable lessons have been learned as a result. A number of high profile murder and terrorist convictions based largely on confession evidence have been quashed on appeal. In The Psychology of Interrogations and Confessions, Gisli Gudjonsson traces the scientific advances and relevant cases, many of which he was directly involved with, and demonstrates their legal and psychological significance.

The Psychology of Interrogations and Confessions is a comprehensive and authoritative handbook that demonstrates the crucial relationship between research and practice. In Part I, interrogation tactics used by the police in the USA and Britain are reviewed and the reasons why suspects confess to crimes are examined. In Part II, differences between English and American legal systems are highlighted and the concepts of suggestibility, compliance and acquiescence are discussed in detail, along with the effects of drugs and alcohol. Twenty-two leading disputed confession cases are presented and evaluated in Part III, showing how high court judges have become more sophisticated in the way they admit and rely on expert psychological and psychiatric testimony. Part IV provides a detailed discussion of seven high profile cases from outside Britain. They demonstrate how different legal systems approach, view and evaluate disputed confession evidence and expert testimony, providing material of international significance.

With its fascinating, detailed vignettes, The Psychology of Interrogations and Confessions is essential reading for clinical and forensic psychologists and others in the legal, psychological and psychiatric professions. Police officers will find many parts of the book directly applicable to their work, as will social workers and probation officers.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 704 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (January 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471491365
• ISBN-13: 978-0471491361
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.7 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,035,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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