Essay on Forensic Psychology Deals with Both Law and Psychology

Forensic psychology deals with expert testimony which plays a crucial role in the insanity defense of a case, which is one of the most difficult and controversial issues faced by the courts and forensic

Just like the title states, The Use of Criminal Profilers in the Prosecution of Serial Killers by Chelsea van Aken’s is a peer-reviewed article that covers issues associated with Criminal profilers in the courtroom. Aken’s elaborates on the lack of understanding the criminal justice system has on accurately profiling ‘serial killers’, and scrutinizes the current definition, typography, and the use of criminal profilers in the courtroom. The article makes a direct connection to the topic of Forensic Psychology by specifically addressing subjects relevant to criminal profiling, and elaborates on it’s flaws. While criminal profiling is widely known, it has become part of public consciousness even though many people have no idea how it is done

According to some, the roles psychologists can contribute to law enforcement is by testifying as expert witnesses, mental sanity analysis, gathering intelligence, profiling and developing more effective interrogation strategies (Stevens, 2005). They are also contributing through target hardening, in which psychologists screen and use behavioral profiling to identify and prevent potential terrorist attacks. For the most part, the abovementioned involves more data analysis, assessment and expert testimony and very little actual interrogation techniques, thus not compromising their code of ethics.

Many universities fail to provide appropriate education in their curriculum (e.g. practicum or internship) in forensic psychology. Therefore, as they obtain a career in this area they lack competency regarding the Code of Ethics, as well as other guidelines which can create ethical dilemmas in the future (Knapp & VadeCreek, 2001). Additionally, these individuals lack competency regarding the roles of the forensic psychologist. The role of a forensic psychologist is to function as an expert witness by the means of conducting evaluations, as well as interpreting the results for the legal system. With this being said the information provided assist with the outcome of the defendant sentences (Bush, Connell, & Denney, 2006). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the ethical concerns regarding the evaluation performed by Dr. Jones to determine if Mr. Smith is competent to stand trial and/or understand criminal responsibility. Furthermore, this paper will employ references from the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct written by the American Psychological Association and the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology written by the American Psychology-Law Society.

Criminal profiling has become very prominent in recent years with TV shows like Criminal Minds, and CSI highlighting the process and the usefulness of profiling in criminal cases. In the article, Criminal Profiling: The Reality Behind the Myth, the author talks about how law enforcement is trying to include criminal psychologists into the art of profiling. In earlier years of profiling, law enforcement officers were the only people creating and using criminal profiles. Up until a few years ago, forensic psychologists think they are the most qualified to create profiles and that not only profilers in the FBI or law enforcement officers should be able to use criminal

Forensic psychologists make use of psychology to help police officers investigate crimes. They apply psychology to questions that affect the criminal

It is a very detailed assessment that determines if a patient shows the possibility of violent behavior in the current or near future

Forensic psychiatry is a part of psychiatry branch in . They see if an offender is mentally stable and if they aren’t they treat them in secure hospitals.It is a sophisticated understanding of the interface between mental health and the law .Forensic psychiatrist are medical doctors who have specialize in psychiatry and subspecialize in forensic psychiatry.The process usually takes 13 years after a person graduates high school Forensic psychiatry work with the legal team when on a case and need to tell if the defendant is able to stand trial and give expert witness testimony. Forensic psychiatrist can also help make recommendations for defense tactics and sentencing in a case , help solve cases and treat mental illness in criminals.

Paije Robinson Criminal Procedure Essay November 18, 2014 Forensic Science in Criminal Justice Forensic Science, also known as Forensics, is the application of science to law to interpret clues for crime investigation. The earliest forensic scientists were the physicians who were asked to give a professional opinion as to the cause of death in individuals. Now most of the forensic scientists are investigators that pick up clues at the crime scene and DNA. Modern forensic science has an extensive range of applications. It is used in civil cases such as forgeries, fraud or negligence.

Forensic psychologists: Roles and activities. (2004). In The concise Corsini encyclopedia of psychology and behavioral science. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/content/entry/wileypsych/forensic_psychologists_roles_and_activities/0

Forensic psychology gives a speculative standpoint on comprehending human behavior from a scientific methodology in relation to the legal system. With this mind, forensic psychologist possess various professional positions, such as conducting assessment to select appropriate candidates for correctional and police officers, assist with autopsies for insurance claims, assist with disability claims, and evaluation in custody hearing (Bartol & Bartol, 2012). However, this piece will examine the role of forensic psychologist providing expert testimonies under the Daubert Standard.

One of the areas of focus for Forensic psychologist is in the evaluations in Civil Proceedings. They do an accurate assessment of examinees emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. One of the important evaluations that the forensic psychologist do is in Child custody. (Freedheim & Weiner 2003).

One type of psychologist is a forensic psychologist. Some of the activities that a forensic psychologist would encounter would be both in the civil and criminal matters. They often evaluate mental competency in a criminal court. Forensic psychologists also have a job of working with children that get involved with the court system. They also can testify in court as an expert witness. When you are a forensic psychologist you would always deal with the legal system and be there to evaluate the choices that are made in court.

In addition to education, is the importance of training in this field. It takes specialized qualifications to have the ability to do this job. In the column “Criminal Psychologist Career: Job Duties, Skills, and Education,” the author writes about some of the qualifications needed to do this job. “Criminal psychologists must be adept at communicating effectively with others, including listening actively, and empathically. As a result, they must be experts in psychology, law, and oftentimes forensics as well,” (“Criminal Psychologist Career: Job Duties, Skills, and Education” 3). The people who decide to work this job must have the ability to listen and communicate with the criminals set before them. When the need arises the

1). Forensic Psychology is the application of the theories of psychology to law and the legal system. Issues of violence and its impact on individuals and/or groups delineate the main and central concerns in Forensics within the adult, juvenile, civil, and family domains. Forensic psychologists provide advice to legislators, judges, correctional officers, lawyers, and the police. They are called upon, for example, to serve as an expert witness, diagnose and treat incarcerated and probationed offenders, and screen and evaluate personnel in the law enforcement and judicial systems. Forensics encompasses a wide range of academic orientation. Synonyms for Forensic psychologists include criminal psychologist,