Forensic psychology in the judicial system

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the APA Monitor feature on forensic psychology.

Forensic psychology

The application of psychological expertise within the judicial system, covering mental-health evaluations, risk assessments, custody decisions, and other legal questions in criminal and civil cases.

APA-approved specialization in forensic psychology

Forensic psychology became an APA-approved specialization in 2001, formalizing its status within psychology practice in courts.

American Psychology-Law Society (Div. 41)

APA’s division focused on the intersection of psychology and law, comprising professionals who work in forensic psychology.

Competence to stand trial

The defendant’s mental ability to understand the proceedings and participate in their defense.

Competence restoration

An educational program aimed at teaching defendants how the criminal justice system works to restore competence to stand trial.

Forensic neuropsychology

A subspecialty that evaluates brain–behavior relationships, including amnesia, dementia, and cognitive deficits relevant to legal issues.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) evaluation

Assessments that examine how a TBI affects functioning and potentially job performance or legal responsibility.

Child-custody evaluations

Forensic evaluations that inform custody arrangements and parenting plans, often involving expert testimony and literature on child development.

Relocation (child custody)

A custody consideration about moving to a new location and its impact on parenting plans and orders.

Private practice in forensic psychology

Many forensic psychologists work in private practice, providing expert opinions to clients and the court.

Settings employing forensic psychologists

Work environments include state forensic hospitals, court clinics, mental health centers, jails, prisons, and juvenile treatment centers.

Confidentiality in forensic contexts

In forensic work, the client is typically the attorney or the court, not the person being evaluated, with implications for confidentiality.

Civil-forensic roles (workers’ compensation, divorce/custody)

In civil cases, psychologists may evaluate plaintiffs in workers’ compensation and families in divorce and custody matters.

American Academy of Forensic Psychology

The education and training arm of the American Board of Forensic Psychology that certifies practitioners.

American Board of Forensic Psychology

The certifying body for forensic psychology practitioners, overseeing credentialing in the field.

No Insurance Required (Monitor series)

APA Monitor feature series highlighting practice niches that do not rely on insurance reimbursement.

Fee-for-service practice

A model where services are billed directly, outside of managed-care reimbursement systems.

Jurisdictional requirements and mental health laws

Forensic psychologists must understand local laws and regulations; much cannot be learned from brief workshops.

Preparation for courtroom testimony

Being well-prepared to testify and handle cross-examination to maintain credibility in court.