Introduction to Forensic Psychology

Introduction to Forensic Psychology

  • Overview of the course PSY 368: Forensic Psychology

  • Presentation objectives:

    • Define forensic psychology

    • Compare and contrast with other areas of psychology and related fields

    • Explore roles of forensic psychologists in legal systems

  • Inform students about the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS):

    • Importance of completing course orientation in Canvas

    • Access to assignments, tools, textbook details, course schedule, and grade tracking

Definition and Scope of Forensic Psychology

  • Definition of forensic:

    • Origin: Latin word 'forensis' meaning 'of the market or forum'

    • Historically, the forum was a public place for trials, debates, and performances

    • Current usage often refers to the law and application of science in legal contexts

  • Definition of psychology:

    • The science studying the mind and functions impacting behavior in context

  • Core focus of forensic psychology:

    • Intersection of psychology and law

    • Application of psychological principles in the legal system

    • Integration of scientific methodologies, clinical expertise, and legal knowledge

Key Subfields of Psychology

  • Clinical Psychology:

    • Focus on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders

    • Settings: hospitals, private practices, clinics

  • Cognitive Psychology:

    • Studies mental processes like thinking, perception, memory, learning

  • Developmental Psychology:

    • Examines human growth across the lifespan

  • Social Psychology:

    • Investigates the influence of social factors on thoughts, feelings, behaviors

  • Neuropsychology:

    • Studies brain structure and function impact on cognition and behavior

  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology:

    • Applies psychology to workplace challenges, focusing on recruitment, training, etc.

  • Educational Psychology:

    • Focuses on learning methods, cognitive development in educational settings

  • Health Psychology:

    • Examines the interplay between psychological factors and health

Applications of Forensic Psychology

  • Examples of forensic psychology applications:

    • Profiling criminal behavior

    • Eyewitness testimony reliability analysis

    • Causes of false confessions

    • Legal decision-making processes influenced by psychological factors

    • Assessments of legal competencies and insanity

    • Rehabilitation efforts in correctional contexts

Clinical Psychology vs. Forensic Psychology

  • Clinical psychology:

    • Primarily addresses mental health without a legal focus

    • Emphasizes therapeutic interventions

  • Entry requirements:

    • 4 to 7 years of graduate study (PhD or PsyD)

    • PhD: emphasis on research and clinical techniques

    • PsyD: focus on practical skills, less on research

    • Some master's programs similar to PhD/PsyD but less research emphasis

  • Distinction:

    • Not all forensic psychologists are clinical psychologists

Psychiatry and Forensic Psychology

  • Psychiatry:

    • Branch of medical science dealing with mental health disorders

    • Requires MD or DO degree and additional training

    • Differences from psychologists:

    • Psychiatrists can perform physical exams, prescribe medications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW):

    • Focus: diagnosing and treating mental health issues

    • Setting: hospitals, schools, private practices

    • Role in therapy and client advocacy

Role of Forensic Psychologists in Legal Systems

  • Interaction with law enforcement:

    • Work with police and crime analysts to solve crimes

  • Relationships with legal professionals:

    • Prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, correctional officers

  • Criminal justice system roles:

    • Entry-level jobs may not require degrees, but promotion increasingly requires education

    • Graduate degrees often needed for policy-making and high-level positions

Forensic Science Within Legal Context

  • Definition and role:

    • Application of scientific methods to legal matters

    • Includes disciplines like forensic biology, chemistry, digital forensics, and pathology

  • Importance of independent agencies for forensic science

  • Crime scene investigation (criminalistics) as a key forensic science area

Historical Development of Forensic Psychology

  • Timeline of key events:

    • 1908: Hugo Munsterberg’s foundational work on eyewitness reliability

    • 1940: People versus Hawthorne case allowed psychologists as expert witnesses

    • Post WWII: Rise of research on law and human behavior

    • 1962: Jenkins vs. United States legitimizes psychologists testifying about mental illnesses

    • 1981: Formation of the American Psychology Law Society

    • 2001: Recognition of forensic psychology as a specialized field by the APA

Responsibilities of Forensic Psychologists

  • Assessments and evaluations:

    • Competency to understand legal proceedings

    • Mental states at the time of offenses affecting criminal responsibility

    • Risk assessment for reoffending

  • Family law roles:

    • Evaluating parental fitness and custody arrangements

  • Providing therapeutic support:

    • For crime victims, offenders, and law enforcement

  • Expert witness education for judges and jurors

  • Investigative consultation for law enforcement

Forensic Psychology in Civil Cases

  • Key roles in various civil domains:

    • Family courts: parental fitness assessments and custody recommendations

    • Personal injury cases: psychological impact evaluations

    • Employment disputes: evaluations of claims of harassment or discrimination

    • Civil competencies: evaluating mental functioning for contract validity and health decisions

Differences Between Criminal and Civil Legal Systems

  • Focus Areas:

    • Criminal: Violation of law and state of mind

    • Civil: Disputes between parties, liability assessments

  • Standards of Proof:

    • Criminal: Beyond a reasonable doubt

    • Civil: Preponderance of the evidence or clear and convincing evidence

  • Psychological Testimony:

    • Criminal: Focus on defendant's mental state

    • Civil: Focus on plaintiff's psychological damages

Course Navigation and Expectations

  • Overview of upcoming topics:

    • Roles across both criminal and civil contexts

    • Exploration of theoretical frameworks and ethical principles guiding forensic psychology

  • Development of critical thinking skills in real-world applications of psychology in law

  • Encouragement to seek help for questions about the material from instructors or assistants.