UA Professor Receives Psychology-Law Society’s Highest Honor

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Stanley L. Brodsky, University of Alabama professor of psychology, has recently been named recipient of the American Psychology-Law Society Award for distinguished contributions in psychology and the law.

This award is one of the most prestigious awards given by the American Psychological Association. This honor is not given out every year, but is instead only awarded when an individual is nominated that deserves the award. It has only been given out six times. Previous recipients include former Attorney General Janet Reno and Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmon.

Brodsky is one of the foremost authorities in research and practice on testimony. His several books in the area help carve out a systematic approach to effective testimony. Brodsky helped found the American Psychology-Law Society and played an integral role in creating the field of psychology and the law. He has also played an important role in creating curricula at the graduate level for classes that address psychology and the law.

His interests as a researcher include forensic psychology, expert witness effectiveness, competency for execution, jury selection, trial consultation, and mitigation evidence and testimony. His current work has focused especially on witness research.

The AP-LS Award honors a person who has made distinguished theoretical, empirical, and/or applied contributions to the field of psychology and law.

Brodsky has a doctorate in psychology from the University of Florida and is a licensed clinical psychologist in Alabama. He is scheduled to give an invited talk about his work in 2008 at the AP-LS national convention as part of the honor.