Psychology and the Law Joyce Carbonell Psychology Department Florida State University

Psychology and the Law  Also called: –Forensic Psychology –Correctional psychology –Police psychology  Applications of scientific and professional aspects of psychology to questions and issues that relate to law and the legal system

Psychology /Law  psychology in law –the use of psychology and psychological experts in the legal system.  psychology of law –development of theories about how law and legal procedures operate to affect our society

Roles of the Psychologist In the Legal system  Courtroom  Corrections  Law enforcement  Victim assistance  Research

Courtroom- Expert Witness  Mental state of defendants  Degree of damage suffered  Accidents  Spousal violence/domestic violence  Discrimination/sexual harassment  Impact of media on jury behavior (in theory not an advocate for one side)

Courtroom-as an advocate  Jury selection process  Research on jury pool  Assistance in cross examination  In this case you commit your skills to one side

Corrections  Evaluation and classification  Therapy  Program development  Research  Suicide assessments

Law Enforcement  Stress reduction  Fitness for duty  Employment screenings  Victim witness assistance  Consultant for specialty areas  CISM/CISD

Victim Assistance  Within law enforcement  Within specific types of service agencies (domestic violence centers, rape crisis programs  State attorney  Difference between victim advocate and victim assistance

Research  Basic research that is used in expert testimony  Research on specific topics such as assessment that may be relied on in court  Research specific to legal issues

OTHER ROLES?  Mediators  Legislative work  Training roles

American Psychology -Law Society  web page on careers and training  provides general info and information about specific schools  American Psychology Law Society – From there go to pages on careers, students, etc.  American Academy of Forensic Psychology –