Forensic Psychology
Hundreds of years ago in what is considered ancient Rome, legal proceedings were held in a forum room called the forensis (Forensic Psychology). From this word comes the word we know today as forensic. In modern times, forensics is considered the use of the scientific process in gaining knowledge. Forensic psychology, thus, is a specialized branch of forensics. Forensic psychology tackles cases that deal with the law and psychology. It focuses on the science of human behavior and how human actions can be scientifically studied and used in a court of law or for other legal proceedings. Forensic psychology is a rapidly growing career for many people, having been recently popularized by television shows (Forensic).
Forensics psychology is interesting because it is at an intersection that does not seem to fit well together. While both disciplines concern humans and human behavior, it is quite interesting how they mesh together, as psychology attempts to understand human behavior while the law does not care about the why behind human behavior, it simply seeks to regulate it. In the realm of understanding human behavior, forensic psychologists have several common avenues they take. One of the major routes taken is having the subject undertake a mental health survey or questionnaire to assess their baseline mental state (MENTAL). Additionally, the subject is often interviewed by a psychologist to confirm the answers to the questionnaire and to probe for more information. During the interview process, the forensic psychologist will engage in various psychological testing methods. Another major method of forensic assessment is comparison to cases and literature that is already known – in other words, completing a lot of research (MENTAL).
A lot of the patients that forensic psychologists work with are people in the criminal justice system. People who have been convicted of a crime or are in the process of being charged with a crime are mainly the focus of a forensic psychologist. However, the practitioner can treat others as well. Some forensic psychologists work in the mental health field, perhaps in institutions where they can try to determine the state of mind of some of the patients there.
The nature of a forensic psychologist is to understand that help the patients. However, sometimes this can be difficult on an ethical level. The American Psychological Association has a standard list of ethical principles that forensic psychologists must follow (Law and Psychology). This list includes things like beneficence, responsibility, integrity, justice, and respect for persons. In the course of practicing over the years, many forensic psychologists can face personal dilemmas concerning these ethical guidelines (Law). For instance, a psychologist would be bound by the ethical principles to respect a person, but perhaps personally, the psychologist has contempt for the individual. These ethical problems can turn into a real battle for practicing forensic psychologists.
The field of forensic psychology is a difficult field to get into, but is rapidly growing in popularity. Any individual interested in the option would be wise to consider the factors involved in the decision, from the lengthy school process to the challenges that come with the career like the ethical dilemmas and the battle with the legal system.
Works Cited
"Forensic Psychology." Brochure. American Board of Forensic Psychology, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
"How to Become a Forensic Psychologist." Learn How To Become. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
"Law and Psychology." Psychology Topics. American Psychological Association, n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.
