Forensic psychology and it's scope

Abstract

By Saira 

Forensic psychology :this article is about forensic psychology and it's scope .

Forensic psychology is a specialized field that applies psychological principles and techniques to the legal and criminal justice system. It involves assessing and understanding the behavior of individuals involved in legal matters, such as suspects, witnesses, and victims. Forensic psychologists also provide expert testimony in court and help inform decisions related to criminal cases, mental health evaluations, and rehabilitation programs within the criminal justice system.

Introduction to forensic psychology and it's scope 

Forensic psychology is a specialized field that combines principles of psychology with the legal system. It focuses on applying psychological knowledge and methods to understand, assess, and assist individuals involved in legal and criminal matters. Here's an introduction to forensic psychology and its scope:

Work of clinical psychologist 

Definition:

 Forensic psychology involves the intersection of psychology and the law. It encompasses various aspects, including criminal investigations, court proceedings, corrections, and the mental health of individuals within the legal system.

Scope:

Forensic Psychology 

criminal Profiling: 

Forensic psychologists often assist in creating profiles of unknown offenders based on behavioral and psychological characteristics.

Taking Evidence

We will begin by discussing the methods of taking evidence. We will learn the general considerations of taking evidence. We will discuss the part natural science plays in taking evidence.

General Considerations 

SOCRATES, dealing in the Meno with the teachability of virtue, sends for one of Meno’s slaves, to prove by him the possibility of absolutely certain a priori knowledge. The slave is to determine the length of a rectangle, the contents of which is twice that of one measuring two feet; but he is to have no previous knowledge of the matter, and is not to be directly coached by Socrates. He is to discover the answer for himself. Actually, the slave first gives out an incorrect answer. He answers that the length of a rectangle having twice the area of the one mentioned is four feet, thinking that the length doubles with the area. 

Thereupon Socrates triumphantly points out to Meno that the slave does as a matter of fact not yet quite know the truth under consideration, but that he really thinks he knows it; and then Socrates, in his own Socratic way, leads the slave to the correct solution. This very significant procedure of the philosopher is cited by Guggenheim as an illustration of the essence of a priori knowledge, and when we properly consider what we have to do with a witness who has to relate any fact, we may see in the Socratic method the simplest example of our task.

The Illusion of Certainty 

We must never forget that the majority of mankind dealing with any subject whatever always believes that they know and repeat the truth, and even when they say doubtfully: “I believe.—It seems to me,” there is, in this tentativeness, more than meets the ear. When anybody says: “I believe that—'' it merely means that he intends to insure himself against the event of being contradicted by better-informed persons, but he certainly has not the doubt his expression indicates. 

When, however, the report of some bare fact is in question (“It rained,” “It was 9 o’clock,” “His beard was brown,” or “It was 8 o’clock,”) it does not matter to the narrator, and if he imparts such facts with the introduction, “I believe,” then he was really uncertain. The matter becomes important only where the issue involves partly-concealed observations, conclusions and judgments. In such cases another factor enters—conceit; what the witness asserts he is fairly certain of just because he asserts it, and all the “I believes,” “Perhapses,” and “It seemeds,” are merely insurance against all accidents.

Competency Evaluations: 

They evaluate an individual's mental state to determine their fitness to stand trial or their ability to understand legal proceedings.

Witness Testimony: 

Forensic psychologists may provide expert testimony on topics such as eyewitness memory and suggestibility.

How Witness Testimonies are Affected?

Let's discuss how witness testimonies are affected by various factors:

The Limits of Certainty

Generally, statements are made without such reservations and, even if the matter is no longer certain, with full assurance. What thus holds of the daily life, holds also, and more intensely, of court witnesses, particularly in crucial matters. Anybody experienced in their conduct comes to be absolutely convinced that witnesses do not know what they know. A series of assertions are made with utter certainty. Yet when these are successively subjected to closer examinations, and tested for their ground and source, only a very small portion can be retained unaltered.

The Fragility of Absolute Convictions

Of course, one may overshoot the mark. It often happens, even in the routine of daily life, that a man may be made to feel shaky in his most absolute convictions, by means of an energetic attack and searching questions. Conscientious and sanguine people are particularly easy subjects of such doubts.

Narrative Reliability

"Somebody narrates an event; questioning begins as to the indubitability of the fact, as to the exclusion of possible deception; the narrator becomes uncertain, he recalls that, because of a lively imagination, he has already believed himself to have seen things otherwise than they actually were, and finally he admits that the matter might probably have been different. During trials, this is still more frequent.

The Influence of Courtroom Dynamics

The circumstance of being in a court of itself excites most people; the consciousness that one’s statement is, or maybe, of great significance, increases the excitement; and the authoritative character of the official subdues very many people to conform their opinions to his. What wonder then, that however much a man may be convinced of the correctness of his evidence, he may yet fail in the face of the doubting judge to know anything certainly?

Risk Assessment: 

They assess the risk of future criminal behavior and help in making parole or sentencing recommendations.

Victim Support: 

Forensic psychologists can provide counseling and support to victims of crimes, helping them cope with trauma.

Consulting with Law Enforcement: 

They consult with law enforcement agencies on strategies for interrogations and interviews.

Research and Policy Development: 

Forensic psychologists engage in research to better understand criminal behavior, improve the legal system, and develop policies related to mental health and the law.

Career Opportunities: 

Forensic psychologists work in various settings, including law enforcement agencies, courts, prisons, mental health facilities, and as independent consultants. They may also teach and conduct research at universities.

Ethical Considerations: 

Ethical considerations are crucial in this field due to the potential impact on individuals' lives and liberties. Forensic psychologists must adhere to ethical guidelines while conducting assessments and providing expert testimony.

The Art of Uncovering the Truth

Let's take a look at the complexities and challenges involved in establishing truth and accuracy in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

Balancing Truth and Certainty

Now one of the most difficult tasks of the criminalist is to hit, in just such cases, upon the truth; neither to accept the testimony blindly and uncritically; nor to render the witness, who otherwise is telling the truth, vacillating and doubtful. But it is still more difficult to lead the witness, who is not intentionally falsifying, but has merely observed incorrectly or has made false conclusions, to a statement of the truth as Socrates leads the slave in the Meno. It is as modern as it is comfortable to assert that this is not the judge’s business—that the witness is to depose, his evidence is to be accepted, and the judge is to judge.

In summary, forensic psychology plays a vital role in the legal system by applying psychological principles to legal matters. Its scope is diverse, encompassing various aspects of criminal justice, mental health, and research, ultimately contributing to the fair and just functioning of the legal system.

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