Psych 361 week 14

Forensic Psychology

Application of clinical psychology principles to law and legal system issues.

Insanity Defense

Legal argument asserting that a defendant was unable to understand the nature of their actions or distinguish right from wrong due to mental illness.

Legal Competency

The ability of a defendant to understand legal proceedings and assist in their own defense.

Civil Commitment

Legal process through which an individual can be hospitalized against their will due to danger to self or others.

NGRI

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity; a legal verdict indicating that a person was mentally incapable of committing a crime.

Child Custody Factors

Considerations courts take into account, including emotional ties, ability to provide care, and stability of the environment.

Paul and Lentz Proposal (1977)

Differentiates minimal goals (self-care, non-violence) from optimal goals (vocational skills, education) in treatment.

Advanced Directive

Document specifying treatment preferences for an individual who may become unable to make decisions about their medical or psychological care.

Social Control in Psychiatry

The critique that psychiatry may be used to maintain societal norms and manage deviant behavior rather than genuinely help individuals.

Evaluation of Szasz’s Position

Recognition of patient liberties and civil rights influenced by Szasz, contrasting with the belief in psychiatry's role in criminal behavior management.

Coercive Suicide Prevention

Controversial practice of intervening against a person's will to prevent suicide; considered impractical and immoral by some.