Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology

Question 1

What if forensic psychology?

Answer 1

forensis - of the forum

Activities undertaken for the law.

Pertaining to or used in courts of law.

Question 2

Forensic psychology

Answer 2

Psychology applied in law courts.

Question 3

Criminal Psychology

Answer 3

Psychology of criminal behaviour

Haward (1981) - the branch of applied psychology is concerned with the collection, examination and presentation of evidence for judicial purposes.

Losel (1992) - the application of psychological theories, methods and findings to the administration of justice.

Question 4

Comittee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists (1991)

Answer 4

correctional and mental health facilities and other agencies in an adjudicative capacity.

Question 5

Munsterberg

Answer 5

1) demonstration of fallibility of memory
2) publication of ‘On the Witness Stand’
3) offered testimony as an expert witness

Question 6

What is forensic psychology today?

Answer 6

Blackburn 1996

Increase in title of forensic psychologist

closely linked to criminal and clinical

Question 7

Practice of forensic psych

Answer 7

Haward 1981

1) experimenter
2) clinician
3) actuary
4) adviser

Question 8

Usefulness of forensic psych

Answer 8

Accusation of overextension of data.

e.g. offender profiling, assessment instruments.

Grisso 1987 - the goal of FP is to supply the legal system with sound psychological information

Question 9

Tension between psychology and the law

Answer 9

Carson & Bull 1995

the offspring of the relationship between psychology and the law is still an infant and doubts are still cast upon its legitimacy.

Question 10

Legal systems criticisms of psychology

Answer 10

1) Lack of ecological validity
- Lockhart vs McCree (1986)
- Justice Rehnquist’s Objections
e. g. too few studies
e. g. no jury deliberation

2) Going beyond data to make moral judgements
3) intruding upon legitimate activities of legal system