Importance of Forensic Psychology in Legal Proceedings

How must it be to live in a criminal mind? How must it be to completely loose the sense of normality? I heartily believe that Forensic Psychology holds the key which opens an entire world of psychopathologies, mental deformities, twisted thoughts and repressed needs of bestiality. Besides letting you sink into the most dangerous minds, it gives you the armament to combat everything hiding in there- knowledge.

Forensic Psychology is the interaction of the practice or study of psychology and the law. This field of work is

It is no secret that forensic psychology is an example of an area where psychologists apply their knowledge of psychological approaches, methods and treatments to a specific problem. However, before assessing the implications, it is crucial to establish the research methods used in criminal

According to the American Board of Forensic Psychology 2015 brochure,"Forensic psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system.” Forensic psychology refers to scientific theories and methods used to solve situations in the legal sector. It focuses upon linking psychology to the law. This is done through analysis of human behaviour during legal situations. As Zaky( 2009) stated ‘An important part of forensic psychology is the ability to work in court as a witness and discussing the psychological findings in the courtroom, providing information to those involved in the investigation of legal situations.’Although this is the definition, there are many cases

The clinician develops a professional relationship with the client in order to assess and treat their disorder. A Forensic psychologist work requirements are different from a clinician in the field of psychology because the services he/she provides are in areas where they have specialized knowledge, skills, experience and education. He/she administers assessments to determine competency to stand trial and can testify as an expert witness. The forensic psychologist does not have a professional relationship with the client as their main focus is assessing the individual in order to submit a report to the court (Hubaboom, 2002).

Compas, Bruce, & Gotlib, Ian. (2002). Introduction to Clinical Psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

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.

Are also matters that are handled from someone working in the forensics of psychology. Becoming a successful forensic psychologist requires at least the solid clinical psychology training and experience. Firm grounding in scientific theory and empirical research “understanding of scientific validity, research design, statistics, and testing” critical thinking skills thorough knowledge of social and cultural issues legal knowledge “including mental health law, case law, and courtroom procedures” excellent writing skills strong oral presentation skills and the ability to maintain one's composure under stress. Forensic Psychologists apply psychology to criminal justice. Although similar in some aspects, forensic psychology is different than forensic science.

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).

Forensic (criminal) psychology is a job field that deals with both psychology and law. The field has experienced dramatic growth in recent years due to the role of popular movies, television programs and books popularizing the field. Often these individuals are depicted as vivid components in solving vicious crimes or timing out a criminal’s next home. While these depictions of certainly entertaining, yet these portrayals are not necessarily precise. Forensic psychologists play an instrumental role in the criminal justice system while applying psychological principles to the legal system. The crossover of the two spheres is best decided in the Encyclopedia of Psychology,

My interest in forensic psychology goes back into my early elementary years. As a child, my main dream was to become a profiler or a crime scene detective. I loved reading crime books and watching shows about it. I wanted to be like the people I read in those books and the people I saw on television. However, when I got to college, my mindset changed, but not for long. During my freshman year, I was a biology major wanting to be a Veterinarian. My passion at that time in my life was to help animals.

A Forensic Psychologist focuses on “why people do bad things, why they commit crimes, lie to police officers, and treat their children abusively” (AllPsychologyCareers). There is this fascination with criminals and the psychopathy behind their actions and thoughts. According to All Psychology Careers, this field of study focuses on all types of research in psychology including clinical, developmental, social, clinical, behavioral and neuropsychological to blend together ideas and studies to apply to criminal action. The major focus of forensic psychologist is criminology and law because there needs to be a broad understanding of how the judicial system works and what statutes apply in what states. This type of work can be applied in many different settings such as prisons, correctional facilities, court systems, government agencies, parole boards and research.

In addition, whereas in clinical psychology, there is one 'client' (the subject being treated or analyzed), in forensic psychology, there are many 'clients' (the court, the prosecution/defense, the jury, etc.). Therefore, although by constitution forensic psychological assessments do not vary greatly from clinical forensic assessments, by nature and by virtue of the role they are expected to play in the legal system, they are very different.

Forensic psychology deals with both the offenders of the law, and the victims (AGCAS). Although many people think of a forensic psychologist as what they see on television shows, profiling and finding the actual offenders is a tiny part of what the title actually works as (AGCAS). The majority of forensic psychologists work in prisons, probation services, hospitals, and the National Health Service (AGCAS). Those who work in the Prison Service offer one on one sessions with offenders. They also assess whether they are at risk to themselves, others within the prison, or the public, if they have the possibility of being released, by instituting rehabilitation programs, probation programs, and any other mental and emotional therapy they require (AGCAS).