Chapter 1 Intro to Forensic Psychology

Question 1

The use of psychological knowledge or research methods to advise, evaluate, or reform the legal system.

Answer 1

Forensic psychology

Question 2

A brief given to court based on research

Answer 2

Amicus Curiae: friend of the court.

Question 3

It is reflected in shared cognitions, standard operating procedures, unexamined assumptions; the attitudes, values, beliefs, & behaviors shared by group.

Answer 3

Culture

Question 4

Cultures differ in the amount of deference and obedience given to people in positions of authority. This construct is referred to as __ __.

Answer 4

Power Distance

Question 5

Principle stating lower courts must follow decisions of higher courts by which they are bound.

Answer 5

Stare decisis

Question 6

Ways Psychology Influences Law

a) 3 broad ways….
1) 5 more specific…

Answer 6

a) to advise, to evaluate, and to reform. (complimentary, not exclusive.

1. Cross disciplinary training
2. create Amicus Curiae Briefs
3. Disseminate research findings.
4. Influence legislature and help develop public policy.
5. Expert testimony.

Question 7

Use psychological knowledge to attempt to shape the trial process in ways that produce favourable outcomes for paying clients. Serve as advisers to the legal system; to question jurors to determine bias, for trial prep and strategy.

Answer 7

Trial consultants

Question 8

A written argument presented to the court. May summarize findings and conclusions of research conducted by psychologists. Can also be vehicles for professional organizations.

Answer 8

Brief

Question 9

The use of psychology to examine the operation of the legal system

Answer 9

Psychology and the law

Question 10

The use of psychology in the legal system as that system operates

Answer 10

Psychology in the law

Question 11

The use of psychology to examine the law itself

Answer 11

Psychology of the law

Question 12

Expert witness

Answer 12

A witness who provides the court with information (often an opinion on a particular matter) that assists the court in understanding an issue of relevance to a case

Question 13

Relating to the study or discovery of general scientific laws.

Answer 13

Nomothetic

Question 14

A standard for accepting expert testimony , which states that expert testimony will be admissible in court if the basis of the testimony is generally accepted within the relevant scientific community.

Answer 14

General Acceptance Test

Question 15

American standard of accepting expert testimony as valid. Name and list criteria.

Answer 15

1. The Duabert Criteria

• The research on which it is based has been peer reviewed.
• The research is testable (falsifiable through experimentation)
• The research has a recognized rate of error
• The research adheres to professional standards

Question 16

Canadian standard for accepting expert testimony. Name and list criteria.

Answer 16

1. Mohan Criteria

• admissible if testimony is relevant
• is necessary for assisting the trier of fact
• does not violate any exclusionary rules
• is provided by a qualified expert.
  
  • Experts must be independent (added later)
  • Experts must be impartial (added later)