Course Description

*This selection is for the Final Exam only. Access to the book, Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations: Just the Basics, is required to complete the exam. If you already have access to the book, click the "Buy" button above to continue. To order a copy of the paperback book, click here.

Competency to stand trial evaluations are among the most common forensic evaluation referrals in criminal and juvenile courts nationwide. The author, an award-winning expert in the field of competency, describes the basic techniques involved in doing competence to stand trial evaluations. This program reviews the legal standards and laws defining competence to stand trial; presents the forensic concepts that guide competence to stand trial evaluations; explains the selection of methods, collection and interpretation of data, communication of findings, and writing of forensic reports; and discusses common misconceptions about competence to stand trial.

6 CE credits/hours, 60 questions

Target Audience

Psychologists | School Psychologists | Marriage & Family Therapists | Mental Health Counselors | Social Workers

Learning Level

Intermediate

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the legal standards and laws defining competence to stand trial.
  • Present the forensic concepts that guide competence to stand trial evaluations.
  • Explain the selection of methods, collection and interpretation of data, communication of findings, and writing of forensic reports.
  • Discuss common misconceptions about competence to stand trial.

Sections

  1. 1

    • Statement of Understanding (downloadable/printable)
  2. 2

    • PDF Book (downloadable/printable)
  3. 3

    • Final Exam Questions (downloadable/printable)

    • Final Exam
  4. 4

    • Evaluation Questionnaire

About the Author

Thomas Grisso, PhD, ABBP

Thomas Grisso, PhD, ABPP, is Professor of Psychiatry, Director of Psychology, and Director of the Law-Psychiatry Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  For over 30 years, his professional work has aimed at improving courts' decisions and mental health professionals' evaluations in legal cases pertaining to juveniles and persons with mental disorders.  His contributions bridge research and practice.  His research studies of developmental factors related to youths' interrogation and adjudication have influenced US Supreme Court decisions as well as basic policy and practice in our juvenile courts nationwide.  His dedication to forensic practice is reflected in his role as Executive Director of the American Board of Forensic Psychology.  Dr. Grisso's work has been recognized by awards from the American Psychological Association (1995, Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy), the American Psychiatric Association (2005, Isaac Ray Award), the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2006, honorary fellow), and the American Psychology-Law Society (2012, Distinguished Contribution to Psychology and Law).  In addition to his significant works dealing with juvenile justice issues, Dr. Grisso has also authored many other highly regarded titles including Evaluating Competencies: Forensic Assessments and Instruments (2003), Foundations of Forensic Mental Health Assessment (2009; co-author), and Specialty Competencies in Forensic Psychology (2011; co-author).