| Summary: | "Since the first Master Lectures in Psychology focusing on psychology and law were given more than a decade ago (Scheirer & Hammonds, 1983), interest in using psychological knowledge, and in involving psychologists in the legal process, has continued to grow. It is appropriate, therefore, that another volume in the Master Lecture in Psychology series be devoted to the interface of psychology and law. But in doing so, it was necessary to limit the coverage to manageable terrain. The field today encompasses concerns ranging from environmental policy (e.g., Pitt & Zube, 1987; Ribe, 1989) to mental health policy (e.g., Shah & Sales, 1991; Tor & Sales, in press) and from sexual harassment in the workplace (e.g., Gutek & O'Connor, in press) to psychological distress in law students and lawyers (e.g., Benjamin, Darling, & Sales, 1990; Benjamin, Kaszniak, Sales, & Shanfield, 1986). Thus, the Master Lecture Series, and the chapters in this volume, can no more cover all of the major issues in psychology and law than they could cover all of the issues in any other major subfield of psychology (e.g., clinical psychology, social psychology). The decision was made, therefore, to focus on a range of critical issues that have been raised by the intersection of psychology with two of the most visible legal systems--the courts and legislatures--and with two critical legal processes--adjudication and the creation of legislation. Because the Master Lectures in Psychology and the ensuing publications are typically limited to five presentations, this volume cannot cover the full range of issues even in this subdomain. On the other hand, the topics selected for inclusion admirably raise fundamental issues that should be of concern to psychologists who interact with lawyers, judges, and juries in litigation and who interact with legislators in drafting legislation. Relevance of Psychological Science to Litigation and Legislation Litigation provides an opportunity for parties to resolve a dispute when less adversarial means have failed. Because it often involves disagreement over what the true facts that are involved in a case may be, the resolution of this issue can constitute an important part of the trial"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).
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