Violent Games & Forensic Psychology: Annual Conference This Weekend in San Francisco

From Forensic Psychology.org/2012program.pdf or GO here

Here is a sample of what this conference offers (and hopefully some archived reports/transcripts and audios later.):

American College of Forensic Psychology -- 28th Annual Symposium
April 19-22, 2012
San Francisco • Stanford Court Hotel (The American College of Forensic Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. ACFP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This program will offer a maximum of 23 hours of Continuing Education credits.)

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

The practical impact of psychological research on the regulation of video game violence. (Lorna Veraldi, J.D. and Donna Veraldi, Ph.D.)

In 2011, the United States Supreme Court struck down a California
statute regulating sales to minors of video games depicting violence.
Both the majority opinion and a dissent discussed research presented by
the parties about the effects of playing such games, but reached different conclusions about what that research shows. This presentation will assess the research on the effects of video games discussed in the decision and will consider the ways in which professional organizations can better assist the courts and the public in understanding and evaluating such effects research. (Lorna Veraldi, J.D. is Associate Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Florida International University, Miami, Florida. Donna M. Veraldi, Ph.D. has a private clinical and forensic practice in Billings, Montana.)

...Language and thinking style differences between behavioral
scientists and legal professionals will be illustrated with a “translation”
matrix. Participants will be able to discuss 1) the differences between
the thinking style of legal professionals and those of behavioral scientists;

2) the burdens of production and persuasion with video case illustrations; and

3) how to aid legal professionals in the development of their witness examinations. (Dr. Lorandos is a clinical psychologist with over 40 years of experience. He is an attorney, licensed to practice in New York, California and Michigan, and a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court.)

...The neurotoxicity syndrome describes common nervous system effects
of many neurotoxic substances, including deterioration of learning, memory, emotion, personality, and executive function, along with headache, sleep disorder, fatigue, irritability, chemical sensitivity, and sexual dysfunction. It is likely that most neurotoxic substances will activate the core symptoms of neurotoxicity. Mental illness and the capacity to commit a crime can be affected by neurotoxicity, so it is often valuable to assess cases for this cause. An example of a defendant who went on a killing rampage resulting in multiple homicides will be presented. Learning objectives include identification of the core symptoms of neurotoxicity and common neurotoxic substances, and understanding how neurotoxicity could impair competence to commit a crime. (Dr. Raymond Singer is a neuropsychologist and a neurobehavioral toxicologist (neurotoxicologist) specializing in research, evaluation and consultation regarding the effects of toxic substances, processes and agents on neurobehavioral function.)

Global cyber crimes and autism: Is there a role for forensic psychology?
(David Larson Holmes, Ed.D.)

Computer espionage, cyberhacking and cyberwarfare are global concerns. Many groups and individuals, sometimes referring to themselves as “hacktivists,” engage in computer hacking because they find it entertaining, others have more sinister reasons. The research in education, medicine, psychology and related fields strongly supports the use of evidence based recording and reporting in their clinical/applied methodologies with those on the autism spectrum. With current data supporting the fact that autism can be found as a precipitating factor in cybercrimes, the treatments that have proven effective with mitigating maladaptive behaviors in such individuals and promoting pro-social behaviors can be utilized in preventing cybercrimes. This presentation will address the emerging profile of some computer hackers as being on the autism spectrum and how forensic psychology can be helpful in mitigating this global threat. Dr. David Holmes is Chairman and CEO of Lifespan Services, LLC,helping families and individuals with autism and related disabilities.

Autism spectrum disorders and forensic psychology: understanding youth with ASD as potential perpetrators and/or victims...

...see the LINK above for more information on this conference and names of experts/reports for possible interviews or to receive transcripts.

END NOTE: There are still some days left in this CURRENT conference if any readers happen to be in the San Fran area of California this weekend. OR perhaps the best use of this info is to USE or FILE potential interviewees for our various sites and work toward PREVENTION along with addressing the many layers of issues related to Victims and Crime as well as Punishment in our schools, conferences, books and media sources. IF we ONLY address abolishing the death penalty and NOT various aspects of crime -- we are standing on one leg at best and not doing much to eliminate hate and killing in our societies.