Forensic Psychology: The Case Of Andrea Yates: Tragedy And Insanity

Throughout my educational journey, my interest and attention was always captivated by classes which had even the slightest tendency towards Forensic Psychology. Yet, my passion remained unconscious until I took a class of Criminal Law in Business, class which seemed to hold the answer for the consuming question “What am I going to study at University?” From there, I began putting the puzzle pieces together, determined to find the source of the spark- Law, Criminology, Forensic Science all seemed to bring me closer to the right one for me: Forensic Psychology. Reading the first few lines of the field description was enough to assure me that there is no other subject could fascinate, intrigue and motivate me to give by best to apart from this. I became infatuated with the evidence that evil in a human being can be so incandescent, transparent and mischievous that it could bring down any barrier of normality. I became absorbed by its power to grow into the mind and punish the

The Insanity defense is mentioned as confusing to the psychiatric and legal concept. Furthermore, it is explained that the word “insane” is more of a legal word, then a medical term, and therefor to prove a person or a criminal insane, one must find the mental condition, of a criminal, severely impaired to the point of losing one’s free will. A psychiatrist may be or may not able to determine such illness, and a jury’s decision solely based on a psychiatrists’ opinion may be grounded on unreliable evidence. Retrieved from; West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2 (2008).

Forensic psychology, also known as criminal forensic psychology and investigative psychology, is a moderately new sub-field of psychology and forensics that comprise of licensed psychologists that have an essential grasp of forensic, clinical, and legal systems. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that “forensic psychology refers to professional practice by any psychologist working within any sub-discipline of psychology (e.g., clinical, developmental, social, cognitive) when applying the scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychology to the law to assist in addressing legal, contractual, and administrative matters (1).” Forensic psychologists are involved in “all matters in which psychologists provide expertise

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,

In order to understand how this may be done, allow me to define Forensic Psychology. You see forensic psychology is the practice of psychology related to the legal system. This involves relationships with federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies; attorneys and the court; corrections and treatment facilities; and working with people whose behavior or situation leads them into involvement with the courts.

I went to a forensics psychology seminar and listened to Dr. Lilijequist talk about her experience has a forensics psychologist. She said that “forensics psychologists are not as cool as they seem on tv, and that all they do is assess and evaluate prisoners, and people getting ready to testify at court to see if they are mental stable”. She said that “some lawyers would call her up and say that they want her to come to this conclusion about their client”. Also, she said “that most forensics psychologists have a code of ethics and morals they follow, and that they would not listen to a lawyer when they want a certain illness listed”. When she talked about the code of ethics and morals; I started to see where forensics psychology was a part

Forensic psychology is a field in psychology that has become exceedingly crucial and famous currently, due to its applications both in the civil and criminal cases. Forensic psychologists have the chief task of testifying objectively in court in the assessment of victims and criminals (Goldstein, 2006). Forensic psychology describes the interaction amid law and psychology. An individual that has the knowledge of forensic psychology may work in civil court, family court and criminal court. Therefore, a forensic psychologist can have the following careers; working as an expert witness, in law enforcement, jury consultant, victim advocacy, and can work with juvenile offenders. This assignment will discuss careers in forensic psychology

1. A forensic psychologist is a specialized psychologist who practices in the clinical, counseling, and cognitive aspects of psychology, and takes those aspects and focuses them on the judicial system.

By definition in the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, ‘psychologist’ refers to persons who, in accordance with the American Psychological Association (APA) or state registration/licensure, practice psychology in a professional capacity. A ‘forensic psychology’ is the act of working, professionally, as a ‘psychological expert’ within the court system. Finally, a ‘forensic psychologist’ is the aforementioned psychologist working in the also defined field of forensic psychology (Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, 1991, p. 657).

The client is facing a lengthy sentence and their only hope is to plead mental insanity, their only hope is their forensic psychologist. The thrill of not knowing what will come of your day can be perfect for someone who craves adrenaline. Forensic Psychology is an unsung hero becoming recognized. One could wake up in the morning and have to travel or go to court and help decides someone’s fate. It may not be the most popular job or the career with the most recognition but for many it is morally satisfying.

In this essay I will speak on the specific roles of a forensic and therapeutic psychologist, by differentiating their responsibilities and roles. In addition, I will argue why it is unethical to engage in both of these

Forensic; derived from the latin word forensis, which means pertaining to the forum. Also, meaning “The scientific method for investigation of a crime”. Forensic science is an area of specialization in psychology that involves matters that are associated with the courts and legal decisions. It is also known to be the merger of law and psychology. Forensic psychologist applies cognitive, social, and clinical psychology to research, experimentation and investigation.

“Forensic psychology is defined as the study of criminal behavior; application of psychological concepts to the study of crime.” When most people think about forensic psychology they probably envision being on an episode of Criminal Minds, the Mentalist, or Law and Order, where it seems the criminal profilers have an almost psychic ability to give elaborate personality and behavioral descriptions of perpetrators, however, these high glamorized ideas are not the norm. Most forensic psychology textbooks define both a narrow and a broad definition. The narrow

What comes to mind when you hear forensic psychology? You may think of famous television shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS, CSI and other crime/mystery shows that involve criminology and the study of the motives behind crimes? Do you think of a criminal profiler who gets inside the mind of a killer in order to predict his next move? While there are probably a few forensic psychologists out there who fit these stereotypes, these media glamorized ideas are not in the majority. If you’re like me and the study of human behavior and specifically the motives behind the crime is fascinating, then forensic psychology will spike your interests.

Forensic psychology is so interesting to me it collects all forensic evidence, examines and evaluates for the purpose of all investigations. They question witnesses and gather all their testimonies. The need to increase, though, accuracy also efficiency, psychology has played a big role in achieving the increase. Psychologist can become bias this can cause a big stir and a case can pend for some time which can become detrimental. In these circumstances