Introduction into Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology

The application of psychological knowledge or methods to the legal system, focusing on evidence, witnesses, and criminal behavior.

Legal Psychology

The branch of forensic psychology that deals with the psychological aspects of legal issues, including jury decisions and witness testimony.

Criminological Psychology

A subfield of forensic psychology that focuses on understanding and reducing criminal behavior.

Forensic Psychologist Myths

Common misconceptions include: they primarily investigate crime scenes or are all profilers.

Psychological Assessment

Evaluations conducted within the criminal justice system to understand offenders' mental states and risk levels.

Expert Witness

A forensic psychologist who provides specialized knowledge or opinion in legal cases.

Risk Assessments

Evaluations used to estimate the likelihood of an offender reoffending, typically used during parole hearings.

Treatment Programs

Intervention strategies designed to rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism.

Criminal Justice Process

The series of steps in handling criminal cases, including arrest, trial, and rehabilitation.

Devlin Enquiry (1976)

Recommended psychological research in the identification of suspects during the criminal investigation.

Polygraph Testing

Utilized for lie detection based on physiological responses, yet remains controversial in reliability.

False Confessions

Admissions of guilt by innocent individuals, often resulting from coercive interrogation techniques.

Eyewitness Memory

The reliability of a witness’s account and the factors affecting memory recall during testimonies.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

A humanistic approach in police interviewing aiming to build rapport and reduce resistance.

Cognitive Biases

Errors in judgment experienced by jurors and witnesses that can influence legal outcomes.

Juries in Criminal Cases

A group of citizens tasked with determining the outcome of trials based on presented evidence.

Behavioral Investigative Advice

Strategic recommendations given to law enforcement based on psychological principles to aid investigations.

Spatial Profiling

Utilizing the geographical locations of crimes to predict likely offender residences.

Juror Selection

The process of choosing individuals to serve on a jury, influencing trial fairness.

Mental Health Assessments

Evaluations performed to identify psychological disorders among offenders.

Veteran Offenders

Individuals with military backgrounds facing specific challenges in the criminal justice system.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs

Intervention initiatives targeting substance abuse among offenders to prevent recidivism.

Pre-trial Publicity

Media coverage prior to a trial that can impact juror perceptions and trial fairness.

Identification Procedures

Methods used to determine whether a witness can accurately identify a suspect in a crime.

Show-ups

An identification procedure where a witness views a single suspect shortly after a crime.

Line-ups

An identification method involving multiple suspect photographs or individuals presented to a witness.

Cognitive Processes in Missing Persons

Understanding how memory and social factors affect the reporting and recovery of missing individuals.

Hot Spot Policing

Strategy focusing law enforcement efforts on areas with high crime rates.

Victim Support Services

Programs aimed at assisting victims of crime and their families through recovery.

Forensic Mental Health Services

Specialized facilities and programs addressing the mental health needs of offenders.

Public Confidence in Police

Trust in law enforcement based on transparency and effectiveness in handling crime.

Interagency Collaboration

Cooperation between various law enforcement and social services to address crime and rehabilitation.

Recidivism Rates

The tendency of previously incarcerated individuals to reoffend or return to prison.

Good Lives Model

A strengths-based approach in offender rehabilitation focusing on individual goals.

Victimology

The study of victims, their experiences, and the impact of crime on individuals and society.

Forensic Psychology Research

Scientific investigation into psychological practices related to legal contexts and criminal behavior.

Positive Treatment Outcomes

Successful results from therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing reoffending.

Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs)

Organizations providing rehabilitation services to offenders as part of the community justice system.

Courtroom Psychology

Understanding psychological factors influencing courtroom dynamics and juror behavior.

Offender Treatment Frameworks

Structured programs designed to guide the rehabilitation process for various offender populations.

Chartered Forensic Psychologist

A status achieved through meeting specific educational and professional criteria within forensic psychology.