The Psychology of Interrogations and Confessions: A Handbook (Wiley Series in Psychology of Crime, Policing and Law) by Gisli H. Gudjonsson

Product Description

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
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #709942 in Books
Published on: 2003-02-07
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
704 pages
Editorial Reviews

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

“…I am impressed with this handbook…an important addition to the bookshelves…” (Applied Cognitive Psychology, No.18 2004)

Download Description
"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.

Book Info
King's College London, UK. Comprehensive handbook demonstrates the relationship between research and practice. Topics include the differences between the English and American legal systems, the growth in high court judges, and the treatment of confessions in specific cases. Softcover, hardcover also available.
Customer Reviews

Comprehensive yet slightly Disappointing
Professor Gudjonsson has obviously put a great deal of effort into researching this subject and writing this book. The book contains a comprehensive review of the studies of noted psychologists. Unfortunately the thrust of the book appears to be aimed at pointing out his displeasure with the techniques advocated by Reid and Associates. These techniques have been proven to be extremely effective in the US law enforcement arena. I was disappointed with my purchase after the repeated "Reid bashing". The author is clearly one of the foremost researchers in the areas of suggestibility and false confessions. It would have better served others if he had spent more time discussing empirical research surrounding these areas. Well worth buying.