RESEARCH AIMS

Dr. Cox is unique in that her research is relatively broad and encompasses mental health and legal decision making. This “chasing shinny pennies” approach has resulted in multiple research lines, collaborations and community partnerships, and tangible impacts. Dr. Cox prioritizes methodological rigor, intellectual curiosity, and social justice. Below are select themes of research coming from Dr. Cox’s research lab. 

• Develop a better understanding of individual decision making within criminal legal spaces.
  • How do attorneys think about defendant mental health? To what extent does defendant mental health play a role in attorney decision making? 
  • To what extent do judges consider forensic mental health reports when making case determinations? 
• Investigate (juror, attorney) perceptions of criminal defendants’ psychopathic traits
  • Is “psychopathy” really a bad thing in the legal system? Does it depend on the criminal charge, defendant demographics, or just the perceptions of the decision maker? 
  • How do courts consider psychopathy? When do courts talk about psychopathy? 
• Explore the role of forensic mental health assessment in criminal and civil cases
  • What makes forensic mental health evaluators tick? How do elements of their training, experiences, and culture factor into their professional decisions? 
  • How do courts consider forensic mental health evidence? 
• Examine the synergy between the community and the criminal legal system
  • Who is becoming involved in the criminal legal system – and why?
  • How should communities intervene to decrease the role of the criminal legal system?