Forensic Psychology applies psychological principles to legal matters, including criminal investigation, courtroom proceedings, and offender rehabilitation. Forensic psychologists often conduct evaluations, provide expert testimony, and design treatment programs for individuals within the justice system.
Key Points:
- Roles & Responsibilities: Assessing competency to stand trial, evaluating criminal responsibility (insanity defenses), risk assessment for reoffending, and providing treatment for inmates.
- Settings: Courtrooms, prisons, juvenile detention centers, law enforcement agencies, and specialized mental health facilities.
- Ethical Considerations: Balancing client confidentiality with legal requirements, maintaining impartiality, and providing objective assessments.
- Specialties: Child custody evaluations, profiling, victim advocacy, consultation in civil cases (e.g., personal injury, worker’s compensation).
