Book excerpt: This fully updated work examines all relevant aspects of adult and child psychology in relation to family and child care law. Psychology deals with behaviour – and the behaviour of parents, other carers and children in relation to one another and the world at large has obvious interest to the courts which need to determine issues coming before them.The book adopts a practical approach and explains psychological concepts, including the measurements employed, so that professionals working in this area can gain an informed understanding of the subject matter. Where there is an overlap between psychology and psychiatry, this is given further detailed consideration.