The Carceral State, Forensic Psychology, and Black Resistance

This volume outlines the theoretical and ethical commitments for forensic psychologists in the struggle for Black liberation and details areas of focus for practice and research. It aims to highlight how Black forensic psychologists have historically engaged in these areas through the lens of Black psychology. The chapters that follow extensively cover the often overlooked relationship between forensic psychology and Black liberation, including chapters on: • Black forensic psychologists whose work contributed to political movements; • The psychologist’s role in supporting reparations movements; • The importance of community healing collectives as alternatives to incarceration and policing; • Recommendations for introducing Black psychology into forensic practice. Examining the role of forensic psychology within America’s racialized carceral systems, this book critically analyzes how psychological research and practice influence legal and material outcomes for Black individuals. Grounded in historical context and contemporary case studies, it offers essential insights for practitioners, activists, and scholars committed to challenging the systemic harms that disproportionately affect Black communities within the most incarcerated nation in the world.