Forensic Psychology

Kaplan University

Forensic psychology is typically the intersection of psychology and the law, but forensic psychologists can perform many roles so this definition can vary. The field of psychology is booming due to movies and television shows that depict protagonists using psychology to solve the most heinous crimes and are able to predict the criminals’ next move. These dramatizations glorify this career and in reality, these forensic psychologists practice the science of psychology within the realm of criminal justice and civil courts.
Unlike clinical psychologists who are concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental disorders, the forensic psychologist will be employed for a specific job function and
The forensic psychologist will provide specific questions for both legal teams in order for the attorneys to ask potential jurors; this process is also known by the Latin phrase “voir dire”. These questions will determine if the potential juror will be biased or if the juror cannot handle the issues brought forward during the case fairly. The forensic psychologist will also pay attention to the potential jurors’ nonverbal cues such as their body language, nodding of their heads or watching their facial
Outside the walls of the prison the psychologist has client confidentiality and cannot disclose any information to anyone but within the walls the professionals must disclose any information to the authorities of any violence towards another inmate or the threat of violence and this is the dilemma the forensic psychologist will face. Some could argue that the forensic psychologists are committing unethical acts by reporting their findings through assessments of inmates or reporting their findings to attorneys and judges from where child assessments that were given and finding the right balance is