“A comprehensive, useful analysis of an array of topics relevant to forensic mental health practice.”

—Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (on the third edition)


“An authoritative text in the field of forensic psychology.”

—International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology (on the third edition)


“Offers a comprehensive discussion of forensic assessment along with best practice guidelines for psychological evaluations in a wide range of criminal and civil proceedings.”

—Juvenile and Family Court Journal (on the third edition)


“If you perform forensic evaluations for a living, you need this book.”

—Journal of Psychiatric Practice (on the third edition)


“The fifth edition of this canonical work fully captures the last decade's explosive growth in what courts demand of mental health experts. Seamlessly meshing scientific rigor, legal precision, and clinical acumen, this is the single most crucial work to read if there is a witness stand in your future. With the publication of this book, the goalposts for both scholarship and practice in forensic psychology have been shifted.”

—John Monahan, PhD, Shannon Distinguished Professor of Law and Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia


“Given its impressive scope, sophisticated legal analysis, and reliance on empirically supported practice, this is the definitive book for forensic mental health professionals as well as legal professionals who rely on psychological evaluations. Slobogin and colleagues have succeeded in writing a tour-de-force book that is simultaneously scholarly and practical. The fifth edition will surely become the go-to resource for students, mental health professionals, and legal professionals.”

—David DeMatteo, JD, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Drexel University


“One of the most foundational texts in forensic mental health assessment and mental health law. Its comprehensive review of relevant law, social science research, and practice makes this text an unparalleled resource for trainees and seasoned professionals alike. I reach for this book often to guide best practice and help resolve thorny ethical dilemmas. Readers familiar with prior editions will be pleased with the fifth edition—it includes robust reviews of new research in key areas (for example, the competence crisis) and recent developments in practice (for example, remote evaluations; Relevancy-Focused reports). This text is an absolute necessity for anyone practicing or learning about forensic mental health or mental health law.”

—Sharon Kelley, JD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine


“This text is not just a 'must read' but a 'must own' for forensic psychology students and practitioners. The fifth edition updates critical case law and addresses contemporary psycholegal issues in impressive depth. I have been teaching forensic assessment for over a decade, and this book continues to be the primary text I require for all of my graduate clinical psychology students. Without question, it is the definitive text on forensic psychological assessment.”

—Elizabeth Foster, PhD, Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, Widener University