Mental Disorders and the Criminal Justice System

Reviewed by Kimberly Brownridge, Psychology Professor, Marian University on 1/28/26

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

From the perspective of a psychology professor, Mental Disorders and the Criminal Justice System is highly comprehensive and well aligned with the undergraduate learning objectives of my institution. The text provides a strong overview with a clinical focus to include historical context, diagnostic understanding, disability rights, and the multiple points at which individuals with mental disorders experience the criminal justice system. I appreciate that topics such as diversion, decriminalization, crisis response, incarceration, and reentry are treated as primary content rather than supplemental material. I found that the inclusion of legal frameworks, advocacy, and professional self-care further strengthens the book's scope, making it suitable as a primary text in criminal justice, forensic psychology, or human services courses.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

I found the material to be consistent with current research, mental health policy, and criminal justice practice. Diagnostic and legal terms, such as competency, insanity, and civil commitment, are accurately described and reflect current professional consensus. The only concern is that, given the evolving law and policy, some sections may require periodic updates. Overall, the content is found to be well supported by the references and aligns with how these issues are taught in psychology and behavioral health programs.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

I consider this textbook to be particularly relevant for today's students, given the increasing visibility of mental health crises, criminalization, and system reform efforts. From my teaching perspective, the book connects theoretical knowledge to real-world systems that students can comprehend and are likely to encounter in clinical, correctional, or community settings. It is interesting that the emphasis on prevention, diversion, and community-based responses directly supports current conversations in psychology about ethical practice, social responsibility, and systemic reform.

Clarity rating: 5

The writing style is clear, accessible, and appropriate for undergraduate psychology students. It is effective how the complex concepts are introduced gradually, defined within context, and reinforced through consistent chapter structure. Learning objectives, key terms, summaries, and discussion questions provide strong instructional scaffolding, which is especially helpful for students who are new to forensic or criminal justice topics. I consider the tone to be professional but conversational, enhancing comprehension.

Consistency rating: 5

The textbook demonstrates a high degree of consistency in terminology, chapter structure, and instructional design. Each chapter follows a similar format that helps students organize information and create a consistent study plan. The textbook uses person-centered and non-stigmatizing language.

Modularity rating: 5

As an instructor, I find that the individual chapters and even subsections can be assigned independently without compromising student understanding. This flexibility allows instructors to customize readings. The modular design also supports varied course lengths and instructional formats, including hybrid and online learning.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization of the textbook follows a logical and pedagogically sound progression. This structure mirrors how other psychology courses typically build knowledge, from theory and context to application and practice. I found this text intuitive and effective as a teaching tool.

Interface rating: 5

I found that the textbook was designed with the user in mind, with an accessible interface for both students and instructors. From an instructional standpoint, the availability of multiple downloadable formats improves accessibility and supports diverse learning preferences.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text is well written and professionally edited with consistent sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation throughout. From a faculty perspective, I found this textbook to be readable and credible.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

I found that one of the strongest aspects of this textbook is its sustained attention to cultural relevance and equity. The authors meaningfully address how race, socioeconomic status, disability, and access to care influence criminal justice involvement and mental health outcomes.

Overall, I would strongly recommend Mental Disorders and the Criminal Justice System as a primary or supplementary text in undergraduate psychology, criminal justice, or human services courses. Its comprehensive coverage, clarity, and equity-centered approach make it a valuable resource for preparing students to think critically about the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, both academically and professionally. I am considering proposing that my institution add this course and utilize this textbook.

Reviewed by Sharon Dutkowski, Faculty School of Behavioral Science, Grace College on 12/18/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The textbook Mental Disorders and the Criminal Justice System is set up in a comprehensive manner. It is easy for readers to connect the chapters. Each chapter is built into the next chapter but the uniqueness of the textbook is each chapter can be used as a standalone lesson.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The content in this textbook appears to be error free and is inclusive to all readers.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The title of the book is what caught my eye as it is rarely discussed in either field. In teaching both abnormal psychology and criminal justice courses we often discuss topics that are covered in this textbook. The book covers the history of mental illness and the criminal justice system. The text is set up with current links that can be updated as needed with current events.

Clarity rating: 5

The textbook is written in a manner for students in the criminal justice field to gain knowledge in the mental health field. The terms are defined and the author uses real life examples to guide students through the psychological perspective on the topic. Each chapter has learning outcomes explained in the beginning of the chapters and at the end of the chapter the discussion questions encourage critical thinking through the concepts.

Consistency rating: 5

The framework of the textbook is consistent and allows the reader to anticipate the flow of each chapter. Each chapter has clear learning objectives at the beginning of the chapter and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

Modularity rating: 5

The topics of the textbook are designed to be used in its entirety or it can be broken down by chapters and used to supports topic being discussed in class. The author suggests to order the text by chapters if needed. Each chapter has spotlight case studies that can be used independent of the textbook.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Criminal Justice students typically do not have knowledge of the history of the mental health field. The textbook starts with a clear history of how mental health services have evolved throughout history. The chapters go on to explain the influence of society in the evolution and its impact on the criminal justice field.

Interface rating: 4

The text includes multiple images, flow charts and actual video links for readers to better understand the concepts. The flow of the textbook is good and the balance of images but there are several sections of large portions of the pages with no text or images, just blank white space.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

There are no noticeable grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The inclusivity of the text really stood out and was a positive part of reviewing the text.

This book addresses topics that need to be discussed in the criminal justice field. The well-thought out and detailed approach to the topic of mental health disorders and the criminal justice system gives the reader a understanding that can be used throughout their career. The intext links to supportive videos will give the readers an opportunity to connect what they are learning to real life scenarios. The book is user friendly and easy to navigate from one chapter to the next. The last chapter outlines career opportunities and opens the door for students to think broadly about how to use their degree. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to using it in the future.