2010 American Psychology-Law Society Conference
Vancouver, BC, Canada
March 18 – 20, 2010
Heather Zelle
Ph.D. Candidate
Drexel University
Department of Psychology
J.D. Candidate
Villanova University School of Law
This past March, I attended and presented at the American Psychology-Law Conference.
Although AP-LS is an American organization, it consists of diverse membership and hosts
international conferences, such as this year’s conference in Vancouver. Attending the
conference was beneficial because it allowed me the opportunity to talk with other clinicians and
researchers in the fields of psychology and law – many of whom I would not otherwise meet.
The conference includes a large variety of presentations and symposia that provide the
opportunity to become acquainted with work conducted by others in areas with which I am less
familiar, including international differences in psycholegal issues. As a presenter, I also
benefited from the opportunity to share my own work and invite the insights of my international
colleagues. I presented a paper discussing the possible impact a recent Supreme Court case
might have on how the field conducts evaluations of the capacity to waive Miranda rights, as
well as a poster also related to Miranda research. Although the Miranda warnings originated
from a United States Supreme Court case, the concept of warning suspects of their rights has
been adopted in other nations, too. Therefore, it is helpful to discuss changes in law and practice
with international colleagues.
I also had the opportunity to attend talks given by senior psychologists in the field. Of
these, the presentation by Dr. Thomas Grisso was especially interesting. His talk reviewed
progress in the field with reference to recommendations and predictions he had made in an
article published two decades ago. What was particularly enjoyable about his presentation was
his use of the second half of the time to poll the audience on what goals the field should establish
for its next 20 years. As a result, researchers and clinicians, senior practitioners and graduate
students, American and international alike, shared with one another their concerns about what
areas require improvement, as well as aspirations for new growth and refinement in the field.
In addition to meeting individuals in the field, I also had the opportunity to explore some
of Vancouver. It was especially interesting to visit the city so soon after the Olympics had
ended. Overall, attending the conference was helpful for informing my current research, as well
as for introducing me to new areas of interest and reinvigorating my commitment to pursuing
well-informed research throughout my career.
Coal Harbor with the Olympic Rings
”ƒ˜‹ŽŽ‡•Žƒ†—„Ž‹… ƒ”‡–