Forensic psychology

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology (pronunciation: /fəˈrɛnsɪk saɪˈkɒlədʒi/) is the intersection between psychology and the justice system. It involves understanding fundamental legal principles, particularly with regard to expert witness testimony and the specific content area of concern (e.g., competence to stand trial, child custody and visitation, or workplace discrimination), as well as relevant jurisdictional considerations (e.g., in the United States, the definition of insanity in criminal trials differs from state to state) in order to be able to interact appropriately with judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals.

Etymology

The term "forensic" originates from the Latin word "forensis," which means "of the forum," where the law courts of ancient Rome were held. "Psychology," meanwhile, comes from the Greek word "psyche," meaning soul or mind, and "logia," meaning the study of something.

Related Terms

Clinical psychology: This is a broad branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Some of the more common disorders that might be treated include learning disabilities, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Criminal psychology: This is the study of the wills, thoughts, intentions, and reactions of criminals and those who participate in criminal behavior. Criminal psychology is related to the field of criminal anthropology.

Legal psychology: This involves empirical, psychological research of the law, legal institutions, and people who come into contact with the law. Legal psychologists typically take basic social and cognitive principles and apply them to issues in the legal system such as eyewitness memory, jury decision-making, investigations, and interviewing.

Expert witness: This is a witness, who by virtue of education, training, skill, or experience, is believed to have expertise and specialized knowledge in a particular subject beyond that of the average person, sufficient that others may officially and legally rely upon the witness's specialized (scientific, technical or other) opinion about an evidence or fact issue within the scope of his expertise.