PYB215 Forensic Psychology and the Law

What is the definition of Forensic Psychology?

A field of psychology that deals with all aspects of human behaviour as it relates to law, or the legal system. Forensic psychology studies the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a legal context.

Explain the Munstenberg (1901) case

Explain Sheldon’s (1949) constitutional theory (biological)

The theory that crime is a product of an individuals body build which is linked to temperament

• endomorphs > obese > jolly

• ectomorphs > thin > introverted

• mesomorphs > muscular > aggressive, more likely to commit crime

Explain dyscontrol theory (1970) (biological)

Lesions in the temporal lobe and limbic system lead to physical violence and impulsive behaviour, and lead poisoning effecting brain development and lead to aggressive behaviour.

Explain Strain Theory (1938) (Sociological)

Disadvantaged people without access to goals, such as money, status, and power, will resort to crime to gain it

Explain Differential Association Theory (1939) (Sociological)

Learned behaviours and social interactions influence a propensity for leaning toward criminal or non-criminal behaviour

E.g. Having an older brother who is succeeding in a criminal lifestyle and not being punished for it, will make you more likely to engage in the same lifestyle

Explain Labelling Theory (1963) (Sociological)

Similar to self-fulfilling prophecy, society looking down on criminals fuels more deviant acts

E.g. I’ve already been named a criminal so I may as well keep performing these behaviours

Explain Biosocial Theory of Crime (1964) (Psychological)

Some personality types - namely extraverts and neurotics do not learn from mistakes and consequences and will develop antisocial tendencies

Explain Social Learning Theory (1973) (Psychological)

Learned behaviours emerge from role moles displaying anti social behaviours, and are justified when there is more perceived reward from ‘bad’ behaviours than punishment

Explain the General Theory of Crime (1990) (Psychological)

Low self control + criminal opportunity = persons more likely to commit the crime

Describe the two main types of antisocial offenders in society (Moffitt)

• Adolescence-limited offenders = They demonstrate criminal or antisocial behaviour only during adolescence. Arrests numbers spike in adolescence but subsequently declines

• Life course persistence offenders = Begin antisocial behaviour in childhood and continue into adulthood. Early bad behaviours include biting and hitting followed by moderate/serious crimes in adolescence and adulthood such as shoplifting and sexual assault etc.

What is the definition of Forensic and criminal psychology?

The wide field of psychology applied to the law, legal system, victims, and law breakers