Chapter 19 -- Forensic Psychology

I. Definition and History
A. Forensic psychology is the application of methods, theories, and concepts of psychology to the legal system
B. In 1954, psychological research on dolls supported the Brown v. Board of Education desegregation case
C. In Jenkins v. U.S. (1962), the DC Court of Appeals ruled that psychologists could testify in court as experts on mental disorder
D. In 1978, the American Board of Forensic Psychology was established.

II. Forensic Assessment Principles
A. Use valid and reliable test instruments
B. Draw conclusions with empirical evidence
C. Weigh and qualify your findings based on past research
D. Defend the scientific rigor of your methods

III. Predicting dangerousness
1. Use demographics, personality characteristics, psychopathology, history, and context
2. Better in the near future
3. Better for the same setting with historical data
4. Better with knowledge of past violence
5. Better if individual is from a group with high rates of violent behavior

IV. Assessment in Criminal cases
1. Insanity plea (at the time of the crime, the person did not have the capacity to understand the criminality of the act)
2. Competency to stand trial (current ability to understand charges and consult with an attorney)

V. Child Custody Evaluations
A. Focus on the best interests of the child
B. Clinical interviews of parents and children
C. Observation of parent-child interactions
D. Psychological testing of parents and children
E. Review relevant documents

VII. Treatment of Forensic Clients
A. Crisis management in case of suicidality or loss of reality
B. Maintenance (approximately half of prisoners have a disorder)
C. Outpatient psychotherapy often combined with medication
D. Targeted programs to prepare for release and reduce recidivism