Research Interests:
- Psychopathy
- Forensic Psychology
- Forensic mental health assessment
- Testing in forensic assessment contexts
- Drug policy research
How We Make a Difference:
The DeMatteo Lab focuses on conducting social science research that can be used to inform practice and policy in the criminal justice system, particularly as those practices and policies relate to offenders with substance use and/or mental health problems. By examining juror and judicial decisions in criminal justice contexts, evaluating the effectiveness of novel criminal justice interventions, and studying how courts use social science evidence, the DeMatteo Lab is contributing to the continued development of the criminal justice system. Through collaborations with a number of criminal justice entities, our work is designed to promote the consideration of social science research by courts, legislatures and policymakers.
Bio:
David DeMatteo, JD, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology and Professor of Law at Drexel University, and Director of Drexel’s JD/PhD Program in Law and Psychology. He received a BA (high honors) in psychology from Rutgers University, an MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology (forensic concentration) from MCP Hahnemann University, and a JD (magna cum laude) from Villanova Law School.
Dr. DeMatteo’s research interests include mental health law, psychopathic personality, forensic mental health assessment, offender diversion, and drug-involved criminal offenders. His research has been funded by several federal agencies, state agencies, and private foundations, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Laura and John Arnold Foundation, and American Psychology-Law Society.
Dr. DeMatteo has co-authored 10 books and more than 140 articles and book chapters, and he has given over 200 presentations at national and international conferences. He is an Associate Editor for Law and Human Behavior, serves on the editorial boards of 12 journals, and as a reviewer for more than 55 scientific journals. As Chair of the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Legal Issues in 2011, he assisted with several amicus curiae briefs submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Divisions 12 and 41) and a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology. He is board certified in forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and he is currently President-elect of the American Board of Forensic Psychology. Dr. DeMatteo is also a former President of the American Psychology-Law Society (APA Division 41). He is currently Chair of the Committee to Revise the APA Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.