Forensic Psychology

is the scientific study and application of psychological principles, methods, and knowledge to issues of law, crime, and the criminal justice system. It merges the disciplines of psychology and law to understand human behavior in legal contexts.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology uses empirical research and psychological theories to address legal problems (e.g. competency, risk assessment, witness credibility)

Applied Science

it bridges psychology, law, criminology, psychiatry, and sociology

Interdisciplinary

Forensic psychologists are expected to remain neutral and unbiased, serving the interest of justice rather than advocacy

Ethical and Objective

its findings must be applicable to legal decision-making

Legal Relevance

Assisting police in identifying personality characteristics, behavioral patterns, and motives of offenders. Involves criminal profiling, interviewing techniques, and deception detection.

Criminal Investigation and Profiling

Assessing defendants’ competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility (insanity defense), witness reliability, and risk of reoffending. Psychologists may also serve as expert witnesses.

Legal and Court Setting

Working within prisons or rehabilitation centers to assess inmates’ mental health, design treatment and rehabilitation programs, and evaluate reformation or recidivism risks.

Correctional Psychology

Providing counseling and trauma management to victims of crime, abuse, or disaster. Helps victims prepare for court testimony and recovery.

Victimology and Crisis Intervention

Assessing custody disputes, child abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency. Provides insights on developmental and social factors influencing youth behavior.

Juvenile and Family Court Services

Supporting police officers through stress management, psychological screening, and critical incident debriefing. Trains officers on negotiation, interrogation, and ethical conduct.

Law Enforcement Training

Conducting empirical studies on crime causation, treatment effectiveness, or legal processes. Helps shape public policies on criminal justice and mental health.

Research and Policy Development

established the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany which led to the foundation of psychological science

WILHELM WUNDT (1879)

conducted the first psychological studies related to law, examining the accuracy of eyewitness testimony

AMES MCKEEN CATTELL (1893)

studied suggestibility in children, influencing how witness credibility is viewed

ALFRED BINET (1900)

his address, “Psychoanalysis and the Judicial Process” discussed unconscious motives influencing crime

SIGMUND FREUD (1906)

published “On the Witness Stand”, considered as the first major work in Forensic Psychology, arguing that psychological findings should inform courtroom procedures

HUGO MUNSTERBERG (1908)

developed the first polygraph machine test and testified as the first psychologist to serve as an expert witness

WILLIAM MARSTON (1917)

postulated the theory on BEHAVIORISM, which in relation to environmental influences, shaped the different approaches to criminal behavior

JOHN WATSON (1913)

The application of psychology to law developed alongside the institutionalization of psychology as a

profession

Act 10029 - Philippine Psychology Act of 2009

To diagnose and treat psychological disorders, promoting personal well-being

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

To apply psychological knowledge to legal issues and assist the justice system

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Focuses on the therapeutic alliance and patient confidentiality

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Objective and evaluative, the client is often the court or agency, not an individual

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Hospitals, clinics, schools, private practice

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Courts, correctional institutions, police agencies, or forensic hospitals

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Psychotherapy, clinical assessment, psychological testing for treatment

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Forensic assessment, criminal profiling, competence and risk evaluations

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Guided by beneficence and confidentiality to help client

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Reports are confidential, and used for treatment planning

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Depression, anxiety, trauma. therapy

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Guided by impartiality and objectivity to serve justice

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Reports are public documents used in legal proceedings and may be cross-examined

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Competency to stand trial, insanity defense, offender risk assessment

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY