One of the common assessments carried out by the forensic psychologist in the court/criminal system is the risk assessment. After reading in your text and conducting a web search on this topic discuss the purpose of a risk assessment within the context of the court and criminal system. Share why you think that risk assessment is so controversial.
One population for which this assessment is almost always used is on the sexual offender. Why is this kind of assessment so important with this population? Also take some time to look up the Jimmy Ryce Act (Jimmy Ryce Involuntary Civil Commitment for Sexually Violent Predators’ Treatment And Care Act) in Florida.
What role does risk assessment play in the application of this act? Do you have any concerns about this act and/or civil commitment?
Book If available: Huss, Matthew T. (2014). Forensic Psychology: Research, Clinical Practice, and Applications (2nd Ed). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
