Psychology and the Law Joyce Carbonell Psychology Department

Psychology and the Law Joyce Carbonell Psychology Department Florida State University

Psychology and the Law ¨ Also called: – Forensic Psychology – Correctional psychology – Police psychology ¨ Applications of scientific and professional aspects of psychology to questions and issues that relate to law and the legal system

Psychology /Law ¨ psychology in law – the use of psychology and psychological experts in the legal system. ¨ psychology of law – development of theories about how law and legal procedures operate to affect our society

Roles of the Psychologist In the Legal system ¨ Courtroom ¨ Corrections ¨ Law enforcement ¨ Victim assistance ¨ Research

Courtroom- Expert Witness ¨ Mental state of defendants ¨ Degree of damage suffered ¨ Accidents ¨ Spousal violence/domestic violence ¨ Discrimination/sexual harassment ¨ Impact of media on jury behavior (in theory not an advocate for one side)

Courtroom-as an advocate ¨ Jury selection process ¨ Research on jury pool ¨ Assistance in cross examination ¨ In this case you commit your skills to one side

Corrections ¨ Evaluation and classification ¨ Therapy ¨ Program development ¨ Research ¨ Suicide assessments

Law Enforcement ¨ Stress reduction ¨ Fitness for duty ¨ Employment screenings ¨ Victim witness assistance ¨ Consultant for specialty areas ¨ CISM/CISD

Victim Assistance ¨ Within law enforcement ¨ Within specific types of service agencies (domestic violence centers, rape crisis programs ¨ State attorney ¨ Difference between victim advocate and victim assistance

Research ¨ Basic research that is used in expert testimony ¨ Research on specific topics such as assessment that may be relied on in court ¨ Research specific to legal issues

OTHER ROLES? ¨ Mediators ¨ Legislative work ¨ Training roles

American Psychology -Law Society ¨ web page on careers and training ¨ provides general info and information about specific schools ¨ American Psychology Law Society – http: //www. ap-ls. org/ • From there go to pages on careers, students, etc. ¨ American Academy of Forensic Psychology – http: //www. abfp. com