A forensic psychologist’s in-depth account of evaluating sex offenders.
What gets obvious right from the start is that Dr Stein isn’t just ticking off names on her patients’ list. She is very much aware of what they did, but she also acknowledges their humanity. In this book, she investigates topics that happen in prisons daily, distinguishing between good and evil. Is the punishment appropriate for the committed crime? Has the law done enough, or was it too lenient in a particular case? These are questions she has to work through in each case, and also to never let the psychological aspect out of sight. Some patients really are at her mercy, especially when one of the monsters has the possibility of parole. Her decision can alter a life for better or worse.
I was mesmerised by how the author keeps her private life and work separate, while still being able to believe in the judicial system.
