Criminal & Forensic Psychology

Criminal psychologists research juries.

Criminal and forensic psychology involves the application of psychological research and theory to any aspect of the legal system. The information can come from social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology or other areas.

Research

Criminal and forensic psychologists who work in universities or research institutions conduct research on topics related to the legal system, such as the accuracy of eye witness identification, factors influencing jurors decisions, false confessions, police arrest procedures, effectiveness of interrogation procedures and responses to child witnesses.

Assessment

Clinical forensic psychologists evaluate the competency of a defendant to stand trial or do a psychological assessment of a defendant who intends to plead insanity. Some forensic or criminal psychologists work in institutions for the criminally insane and provide assessment and treatment for people incarcerated there.

Correctional Institutions

Criminal and forensic psychologists work in correctional institutions at the federal, state, or local level to evaluate and treat incarcerated inmates.

Law Enforcement

Criminal and forensic psychology applied to law enforcement involves the selection of law enforcement officers, their training and evaluation. There are very few jobs for forensic or criminal psychologists in criminal profiling.

Trials

Criminal and forensic psychologists often consult with trial attorneys. These psychologists can conduct mock trials to advise attorneys about how to try a case, they can help attorneys select jurors and can give expert testimony during the trial about research related to the case.

References

• "Forensic Psychology"; Lawrence Wrightsman, Ph.D. and Solomon Fulero, Ph.D., J.D.; 2005
• American Psychology -- Law Society: Careers