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