What is Forensic Psychology?

Forensic Psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. Forensic Psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. Definition

‘Scientific’ has a straightforward meaning ……Of or pertaining to science or the sciences; ‘Scientific’ has a straightforward meaning ……Of or pertaining to science or the sciences; “Practices”…. The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to the theory or principles of it. “Practices”…. The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to the theory or principles of it. (Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition 1989) Application of scientific principles and practices

The parties to a controversy The parties to a controversy –develop and present their arguments –gather and submit evidence –call and question witnesses The fact finder, usually a judge or jury, remains neutral and passive throughout the proceeding. The fact finder, usually a judge or jury, remains neutral and passive throughout the proceeding. Adversarial process

List areas where law and psychology might work together. List areas where law and psychology might work together Brainstorm

Goals Goals Methods Methods Style of Inquiry Style of Inquiry Differing Philosophies

Goals: “psychology is descriptive and law is prescriptive” Psychology psychology tells us how people actually behave psychology tells us how people actually behave psychology is interested in finding the truth about behavior psychology is interested in finding the truth about behavior psychology examines the general principles of human behavior psychology examines the general principles of human behavior Law law tells us how they ought to behave law tells us how they ought to behave law regulates behavior and punishes people who don’t follow the regulations law regulates behavior and punishes people who don’t follow the regulations law emphasizes the behavior of one individual law emphasizes the behavior of one individual Costanzo, Mark (2004). Psychology Applied to Law.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning Costanzo, Mark (2004). Psychology Applied to Law.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning

A 14 year old boy walks into a mall and shoots a customer in the food court. A 14 year old boy walks into a mall and shoots a customer in the food court. A developmental psychologist might be called into testify about the thinking abilities and moral development of 14 year olds, suggesting the influence of violent video games or TV. A developmental psychologist might be called into testify about the thinking abilities and moral development of 14 year olds, suggesting the influence of violent video games or TV. The question in court is not what might make a 14 year old do this, but what made this 14 year old kill and what should be done to reform or punish this 14 year old. The question in court is not what might make a 14 year old do this, but what made this 14 year old kill and what should be done to reform or punish this 14 year old. Example - Goals

Methods: Data vs Rulings Psychology Psychology advances through the accumulation of data produced by scientists Psychology advances through the accumulation of data produced by scientists Future-oriented group Future-oriented group Law Law advances through an accumulation of rulings made by the courts Law advances through an accumulation of rulings made by the courts Current issues in law are decided based on past rulings on similar topics Current issues in law are decided based on past rulings on similar topics Lawyers argue in front of a court, they cite precedents (decisions made in past cases) Lawyers argue in front of a court, they cite precedents (decisions made in past cases) Costanzo, Mark (2004). Psychology Applied to Law.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning Costanzo, Mark (2004). Psychology Applied to Law.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning

Style of Inquiry: Objectivity vs Advocacy Psychology Psychologists strive for objectivity Psychologists strive for objectivity Psychologists report findings, regardless of whether they support their hypothesis Psychologists report findings, regardless of whether they support their hypothesis Law Lawyers work as adversaries (opponents or enemies) Lawyers work as adversaries (opponents or enemies) Lawyers must be advocates (supporters) of their clients Lawyers must be advocates (supporters) of their clients Costanzo, Mark (2004). Psychology Applied to Law.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning Costanzo, Mark (2004). Psychology Applied to Law.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning