- In forensic psychology, the mental condition of a defendant is admissible if he or she is trying to avoid trial based on an inability to stand trial for the crime committed. In most cases, a forensic psychologist interviews the defendant and reviews his or her medical records and case history. Finding a defendant incompetent to stand trial may result in the defendant's commitment to a mental health facility to receive treatment. Forensic psychologists brought in by the prosecution, the defense and the court can argue their expertise and evaluation of the defendant's mental state along with an understanding of the legal definition of incompetence.
- As an expert witness, a forensic psychologist may be brought in independently to evaluate a defendant's state of mind under the McNaughton rules. McNaughton states that a defendant must be able to tell right from wrong in order to be held accountable for his or her actions in criminal proceedings. If a defendant is legally incapable of determining right from wrong, he or she may plead not guilty by reason of insanity or mental defect. Forensic psychologists need a deep understanding of the legal and psychological ramifications. While mental illness is determined as any state affecting mental health (such as depression or bipolar disorder), the legal definition of insanity is radically different. Forensic psychologists understand that insanity is a legal, not medical term.
- As an expert witness, a forensic psychologist provides expertise to the court. Forensic psychologists may weigh in on the welfare of a child in child custody cases. They may evaluate eyewitness testimony in order to help guide attorney questioning. Forensic psychologists can help judges determine whether parental disputes over child custody have founding in reality. They can also help smooth the questioning of minors to determine any patterns of emotional, physical or mental abuse. As experts, forensic psychologists' independent testimony can sway judges and juries.
- Criminal p0rofiling is one of the more glamorous and advertised areas of forensic psychology. Most forensic psychologists who go into criminal profiling have extensive education (doctorate degrees in law and psychology). Criminal profilers help law enforcement detail a person or persons behind certain types of crimes. For example, forensic psychologists use their expertise to profile serial killers to help police narrow down their suspect pool. Criminal profilers may also be called on to provide a psychological profile of suspects and defendants in criminal proceedings. In addition, criminal profilers provide insight on racial, economic and ethnic profiling for federal and local agencies.
- Jury consultation is a less glamorous but lucrative career for forensic psychologists. Both prosecuting and defending attorneys bring in jury consultants (particularly in high-profile cases) to help attorneys analyze the potential pool of jurors, providing insightful questions and eliminating jurors for various reasons (from body language to verbal cues). Jury consultants may work with an attorney throughout the length of a trial helping to identify what portions of the attorney's message is reaching the jury and what areas are not.
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With many different subspecialties, forensic psychology presents many career opportunities. For people who like working with others and making a real difference in the lives of offenders and victims alike, forensic psychology can be a rewarding career choice.
The drawbacks to a career in this area are the needs for constant updates to education (seminars and conferences) and two separate degrees. Forensic psychologists work long hours and in potentially dangerous situations (particularly if working heavily in criminal court or in a prison). Forensic psychology is a high-stress career field with a risk for burnout.
