Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Definition and Origin

• Forensic: From Latin 'forensis' meaning 'of the forum' in ancient Rome where law courts were held.

• Links scientific psychology principles with legal practices.

Role of Forensic Psychologists

• Involves assessments for court reports, including:

  • Intellectual functioning

  • Suggestibility

  • Personality assessments

• Responsibilities illustrated by Dr. Ruth Tully and Dr. Breann Martin:

  • Assessments for custody and trauma therapy.

  • Risk assessments for violence and other offenses.

Core Areas of Forensic Psychology

Diversity in Work

• Forensic psychologists engage in:

  • Police investigations

  • Crime and delinquency psychology

  • Victimology and services

  • Legal psychology

  • Correctional psychology

Working Definitions

• Blackburn (1996): Forensic psychology provides psychological information for legal decisions.

• BPS (2023): Focus on psychological aspects in legal processes and offender treatment.

History of Forensic Psychology

Development Over Time

• The term is relatively new with roots dating back over a century.

• Influential figures include:

  • James McKeen Cattell (1895): Researched eyewitness testimony accuracy.

  • Albert von Schrenk-Notzing (1896): Testified on witness suggestibility.

  • Hugo Munsterberg (1908): Addressed eyewitness memory flaws.

  • William Marston (1917): Linked blood pressure to deception, influencing polygraph development.

Legal Implications and Confessions

Assessing Confessions

• Distinction between confession types, including false confessions (e.g., Salem witch trials).

• Evaluate defendants' fitness to stand trial, relating to historical insanity defense debates.

Establishing Mental Competency

• McNaughton Rules (1843): Insanity validation prevents guilt.

• Forensic psychologists assess mental state and trial fitness, impacting long-term defendant consequences.

Roles and Historical Context

Historical Cases and Impact

• Criminal Lunatics Act (1800) affects mentally ill defendants.

• Daniel McNaughton (1843): Set insanity defense precedents.

Self-Agency Issues

• Competence assessments raise ethical issues (e.g., language barriers). Misinterpretation can lead to negative labels.

Intervention Approaches

Therapeutic Interventions

• Use intelligence and personality tests for tailored therapy.

• Historical tests by Alfred Binet and David Wechsler remain in use today.

Skills and Specializations

• Distinction between academic and practicing forensic psychologists requires specialized training in the UK.

Assessment Techniques and Implications

Assessment Processes

• Common assessment areas:

  • Custody issues

  • Competence to stand trial

  • Evaluating insanity and disorders.

Therapeutic Techniques

• Psychotherapy must align with offenders' behavioral issues.

Professional Development and Standards

Professional Practice

• Forensic psychologists must maintain standards and integrity in legal contexts, employing problem-solving skills ethically.

Working with Interdisciplinary Teams

• Collaboration with legal and health professionals is critical for effective interventions.

Key Skills for Forensic Psychologists

Assessment Skills

• Must demonstrate competencies in legal frameworks and psychological applications.

Therapy and Intervention Techniques

Overview of Therapeutic Techniques

• Intervention strategies include cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and family therapy.

Ethical Considerations and Language Use

Professional Ethics

• Navigate ethical dilemmas while ensuring confidentiality and informed consent.

• Advocate for person-first language in rehabilitation efforts.

Ethical Frameworks and Challenges

Importance of Ethics

• BPS and APA outline ethics covering respect, competency, responsibility, and integrity in case studies.

Working with Other Professionals

Collaboration with Justice System

• Forensic psychologists provide expert testimony and assessment to aid legal proceedings.

Engagement with Offenders

Rehabilitation Focus

• One-on-one engagement aids in understanding offenders' mental states and reoffending risks.

Interdisciplinary Frameworks

Integration with Other Disciplines

• Forensic psychology intersects with criminology, legal psychology, and forensic science, addressing crime complexities.

Summary of Disciplinary Interactions

Closing Remarks

• Forensic psychology applies psychological concepts to enhance legal practices and societal safety.

Recommended Readings

• Includes essential resources to broaden knowledge of forensic psychology and practices.