Forensic Psychology - Chapter Overview

25 practice flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and historical moments from the lecture notes on forensic psychology.

What is forensic psychology?

The scientific application of psychological principles and methods within the legal system, spanning civil and criminal law and incorporating clinical and experimental approaches.

Which two broad domains of psychology are central to forensic psychology?

Clinical psychology and experimental psychology.

From what diverse backgrounds may forensic psychologists come?

Clinical or counseling psychology, or other areas such as social, developmental, cognitive, or neuropsychology; some have backgrounds in law or hold dual psychology-law degrees.

What are the common roles of forensic psychologists?

Trial consultant, expert witness, evaluator, treatment provider, researcher, academic, and correctional psychologist.

Who was an early advocate for applying psychology to legal issues and what is his notable work?

Hugo Munsterberg; On the Witness Stand (1908).

What is a Brandeis brief and how is it different from sworn expert testimony?

A documentary, non-sworn social science brief used in court, often in constitutional cases; its contents are not cross-examined.

What case helped popularize social science briefs in 1908 and what did it demonstrate?

Muller v. Oregon; Brandeis brief summarized research showing the health impact of longer work hours on women.

What does amicus curiae mean in relation to Brandeis briefs?

Friend of the court; Brandeis briefs are also referred to as amicus curiae briefs.

How do Goldstein and colleagues define forensic psychology?

The field that applies psychological research, theory, practice, and specialized methods to legal questions, spanning both criminal and civil law.

What distinction does Goldstein draw between the practice and the research in forensic psychology?

The practice side involves reports and testimony; the research side involves designing, conducting, and interpreting empirical studies.

What event in the late 1960s is considered the modern origin of forensic psychology?

The creation of the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), driven by Jay Ziskin and Eric Dreikurs.

According to Brigham, what are the two levels of classification for forensic psychology?

An ethical/professional responsibility level applying to any psychologist in the legal system; and a clinical flavor reflecting how the public conceptualizes forensic psychology.

What is the role of a trial consultant?

Works with attorneys to develop case strategy and witness preparation; may include jury selection and uses surveys, focus groups, jury simulations, shadow juries, and mock trials.

What is an expert witness in forensic psychology?

A psychologist who testifies about opinions based on specialized knowledge, either about mental health or broader psychological principles; may be clinical or general.

What issues does the evaluator role address in criminal cases?

Fitness to stand trial, mental state at the time of the offence (insanity), and risk for future dangerousness.

What does a treatment provider do in forensic psychology?

Provides psychological treatment in criminal contexts (e.g., competency restoration, insanity, risk reduction) and in civil contexts (e.g., divorce, traumatic injuries); may overlap with evaluation.

What does the researcher role involve?

Designing and conducting research on topics relevant to forensic psychology or psychology and the law; may study mental health law and program evaluation; typically in universities or research institutes.

What characterizes the academic role in forensic psychology?

Teaching, research, supervision, and sometimes training; usually requires a PhD and may include other roles.

What is a correctional psychologist?

A forensic psychologist working in correctional settings with inmates; conducts evaluations and provides treatment; may also serve as a researcher or expert witness.

What are licensure requirements for psychologists in Canada?

Most provinces require a doctoral degree for licensure; some provinces allow master's degrees; licensure is generally necessary to practice independently; correctional settings may not require a license.

What does Section 672.1 of the Canadian Criminal Code permit?

Allows assessments of the mental condition of the accused to be conducted by a medical practitioner or someone designated by the Attorney General.

What are two major ethical issues commonly faced by forensic psychologists?

Multiple roles and confidentiality/privacy/privilege in the forensic context.

In forensic context, who is considered the client?

Usually the attorney or the court; the evaluated individual is not the client, and confidentiality may be limited.

How does the scope of forensic psychology compare to criminal psychology?

Forensic psychology has a broad scope (criminal, civil, family, correctional, policy); criminal psychology is narrower, focusing on criminal acts and offenders.

What is notable about the Brown v. Board of Education Brandeis brief?

Psychologists Kenneth Clark, Isidor Chein, and Stuart Cook summarized research showing segregation harms the self-esteem and development of African American children, illustrating psychology's legal relevance.