Category: Uncategorized

MTN Investigates: Montana’s chemical castration law

https://www.ktvh.com/news/mtn-investigates-montanas-chemical-castration-law HELENA — Lawmakers across the country are taking up a controversial way to stop sex predators from reoffending – chemical castration. Montana, however, was more than 20 years ahead of the game, authorizing it in 1997 – but MTN Investigates has failed to discover whether the treatment has ever been court-ordered or used since […]

The Art and Science of Forensic Evaluation: Staying Focused on the Relevant Legal Issue

On any given day, my phone will ring with an unidentified number.  On this particular day, I answered the phone and was immediately charged by questions from an attorney who had received one of my evaluations, “Dr. Smelko, why did you not include this individual’s distinct pattern of religious beliefs?”  “He is a devout Catholic. […]

Forensic Psychology: Perspectives, disbelief, and intrigue… Walking a fence without wavering

To the Reader:  My writings are not intended on being an authority or dogmatic in any way.  Rather my goal with this feature is to inform, hopefully create interest and to that end promote the practice and discipline that is Forensic Psychology.   Introduction Forensic psychology is an often misunderstood and glamorized profession.  I personally […]