What is Forensic Psychology?
Psychometric Testing, Offender Behavior, Expert Testimony
Forensic psychologists work mainly in the prison and probation services to develop intervention techniques and treatment programs for use with both offenders and people under supervision.
An important aspect of forensic psychology is the ability to testify in court, reformulating psychological findings together with forensic psychiatrists into the legal language of the courtroom to provide information to legal personnel in a way that can be understood.
When considering the history of forensic psychology, it can be argued that a relationship between psychology and the law has always existed, as both are essentially concerned with human behaviour.
History of Forensic Psychology
The most significant landmark in the history of the development of forensic psychology was the founding of the first psychological laboratory in 1879 by Wilhelm Wundt in Leipzig Germany.
Wilhelm Wundt championed and refined the experimental method within psychology. This rigorous methodology provided the framework for a whole host of applied psychological investigations. Another important visionary in the history of forensic psychology was William Marston, a student under Hugo Munsterberg, who published a controversial book, On the Witness Stand (1908), which dealt with psychological factors that can affect a trial’s outcome.
Psychometric Testing - Alfred Binet
Sir Francis Galton is often referred to as the father of psychometrics, having devised and used mental tests. He devised a method for classifying fingerprints that proved useful in forensic science.
Alfred Binet was both a psychologist and a lawyer. His greatest accomplishment in the field of psychology lead to what we now call the Intelligence Quotient or IQ. Having studied medicine and law, he was interested in how psychology could be applied within the legal system, particularly in relation to witness testimony.
However, it was Binet’s work into intellectual assessment that was to have the greatest forensic impact. Working alongside Theodore Simon, he developed the first psychometric test of intelligence, the principles of which proved the basis for later forensic assessment.
Recovered Memories, Disputed Confessions, PTSD
In the past 30 years or so, forensic psychologists have addressed a number of high profile issues within the legal system. These include recovered memories in child abuse cases, disputed confessions, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
With Whom Does Forensic Psychology Deal?
Forensic psychology is concerned with the behaviour of individuals, and with organizations, within the judicial and penal systems, such as:
- offenders
- victims
- witnesses
- judges and juries
- prisoners and prison staff
Forensic Psychologists – Key tasks
Key tasks undertaken by forensic psychologists include:
- piloting and implementing treatment program
- modifying offender behaviour
- responding to the changing needs of staff and prisoners
- reducing stress for staff and prisoners
- providing hard research evidence to support practice
- undertaking statistical analysis for prisoner profiling
- giving evidence in court
- advising parole boards and mental health tribunals
- crime analysis
Forensic psychologists also provide sentencing recommendations, treatment recommendations, and any other information the judge requests, like information regarding mitigating factors, assessment of future risk, and evaluation of witness credibility.
Sources
The American College of Forensic Psychology
All about Psychology – History of Forensic Psychology
