The Measure of Madness: Inside the Disturbed and Disturbing Criminal Mind

by Katherine Ramsland and Cheryl Paradis

Book Overview

At the heart of countless crimes lies the mystery of the human mind. In this eye-opening book, Dr Cheryl Paradis draws back the curtain on the fascinating world of forensic psychology and revisits the most notorious and baffling cases she has handled in her multifaceted career. Her riveting and shocking stories reveal the crucial and often surprising responsibility forensic psychology plays in the pursuit of justice and offer an insight into how she...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806531053
• ISBN13: 9780806531052
• Release Date: July 2010
• Publisher: Citadel Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.6" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

WOW!

Measure of Madness is exactly what the title implies. It makes sense of the senseless and reality of the unimaginable. With concise and readable style, Cheryl Paradis takes us on a tour of her experiences with serial killers. And what a knowledgeable and incisive tour guide she is. She gives us revealing and sometimes startling glimpses of the people who live in the skins of some of the most destructive killers of our time. Who are they, really, and why do they kill over and over? What in their lives makes them unlike the rest us? What demons plague them? Or what vital component are they missing? These fascinating accounts of real-life serial killers, written by an expert, are not the stuff of mere entertainment. They are like letters from the front, the better to understand the war. No one is more qualified to write those letters, and no one could do a better job of it. This is a gripping and revealing book that mesmerizes as it informs. ---- John Lutz

An Excellent Read

As a fellow forensic psychologist and graduate professor in forensic psychology, I have found Dr. Paradis' new book The Measure of Madness a great addition to the academic literature. There are very few books that articulate the nuances and challenges of forensic evaluations like her book. Her writing style is incredibly engaging and she covers a large amount of material very easily. Dr. Paradis describes forensic evaluations realistically and explains many of the challenges of the field. As a professor, the case examples are excellent ways to introduce new students to forensic psychology. I plan to use the book in my psychopathology class this fall.

A Compelling Collection of Case Studies!

For anyone even slightly interested in the field of forensic psychology, The Measure of Madness is sure to curb your craving for an insider's look at the criminal mind. With over 25 years of experience, Paradis describes a collection of some of her most interesting experiences in this page turning collection of case studies. Not only does she provide us with details about the crimes of the defendants and their incredible delusions, she also poses as tour guide through the criminal justice system. Readers can close this book knowing that they have learned about what happens to defendants from the time of their confessions to sentencing. Paradis describes the true job of a forensic psychologist through her amazing tales of competency to stand trial evaluations, competency to waive Miranda rights evaluations, and assessments of dangerousness and malingering. Readers are taken through every aspect of these fascinating processes and are also given in depth explanations of the many different psychological tests administered to defendants, such as the Rorschach inkblot tests and IQ tests. However, Paradis's interesting stories do not simply end in the psychological examination rooms, leaving readers questioning about the whereabouts of defendants. Instead readers are also taken through hearing processes, and are given excellent explanations of not only her duty on the witness stand but also the responsibilities of the defendant's attorneys. From Huntley Hearings to neurolaw, Paradis leaves no aspect of the criminal justice system unexplored. Besides its fascinating subject matter, The Measure of Madness' highly organized sections make for an easy and enjoyable read. The book is broken into three different sections (Evaluations of Mental State at the Time of the Offense, Evaluations of Competency to Stand Trial and Waive Miranda Rights, and Evaluations of Juveniles and Assessments of Dangerousness and Malingering), and each section is broken into chapters that describe individual case studies. Even the index offers readers a highly useful reference tool, allowing them to speedily look up forgotten terms. The book's organized make up only adds to its usefulness and educational value. Whether The Measure of Madness is used as an educational tool for forensic psychology students or simply a book to throw in your beach bag, it is sure to please any audience hoping to get their forensic psychological thrill.

A good read

A "good read" which lay persons and professionals alike will enjoy. I had difficulty putting it down. The book is chock full of very readable 1st person accounts of cases the author has investigated. Her choice of case and her writing style make for a riveting reading experiences. The stories move quickly and smoothly to a conclusion...although not always the conclusion the reader or Dr Paradis were led to expect. Triumph and disappointment pepper the stories. Dr. Paradis is clearly knowledgeable, and expert in her field and her search for truth about the defendants she encounters is fascinating. I much appreciate her attention to detail in her interviewing... she is acutely aware of how easy it is to "plant ideas" into a witness or defendant's mouth. I strongly recommend this book to all.

Highly Recommended

If you are interested in either psychology or criminal justice (as most of us are), you will want to get this book. The author, forensic psychologist Dr. Cheryl Paradis, has selected some of her most interesting cases to share with the reader. You feel as though you are in her shoes as she tests and interviews the men and women who may have murdered their husbands, their wives, and their roommates. In her 30-odd years of practice, she has sometimes been hired by the defense and sometimes by the prosecution, but her concern has been on the side of the truth. Was the defendant mentally ill at the time of the crime; is he/she capable of understanding and participating in an upcoming trial; is he/she a danger to society? Dr. Paradis provides brief but clear definitions of legal or psychological terms as needed, but focuses most particularly on the evidence she gathered regarding the crime, the context, the history, and mental state of the perpetrator. You will finish the book feeling better informed about the law and serious crime, and the potential of psychology to understand those who suffer from serious disorders. At the same time, you will regret the fact that this fascinating read has come to an end.