Psychologists whose work crossed between psychological and legal issues founded the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) in 1968. Most members are PhD psychologists, some are lawyers, and many hold advanced degrees in both psychology and law. Students in law schools, undergraduate programs, and graduate programs can become associate members. The interests of the members cover a broad range of topics, such as recidivism, psychological assessment, jury selection and decision processes, confession evidence, procedural justice, eyewitness testimony, patients' rights, and commitment proceedings, among numerous others.

In 1984, AP-LS merged with the Division of Psychology and Law of the American Psychological Association, established in 1981. Elizabeth Loftus was the first president of the merged AP-LS. AP-LS, with a total membership of approximately three thousand, maintains close ties to the ...