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Questions and Answers
What was the initial theory proposed to explain desistance from crime?
What was the initial theory proposed to explain desistance from crime?
According to Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck, what is the most significant factor in the reformative process?
According to Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck, what is the most significant factor in the reformative process?
What is the main limitation of the early explanations of desistance?
What is the main limitation of the early explanations of desistance?
What is the term used to describe the process of desistance from crime as a natural or biological process?
What is the term used to describe the process of desistance from crime as a natural or biological process?
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What is the finding of Cusson and Pinsonneault's study on former robbers?
What is the finding of Cusson and Pinsonneault's study on former robbers?
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What is the relationship between age and desistance, according to more recent evidence?
What is the relationship between age and desistance, according to more recent evidence?
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What is the significance of the factors identified by Cusson and Pinsonneault in their study?
What is the significance of the factors identified by Cusson and Pinsonneault in their study?
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What is the limitation of the study by Cusson and Pinsonneault?
What is the limitation of the study by Cusson and Pinsonneault?
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What is the contribution of Sampson and Laub's work to the understanding of desistance?
What is the contribution of Sampson and Laub's work to the understanding of desistance?
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Study Notes
Course and Faculty Details
- Dr. Tracey Woolrych leads the PSYC357 – Forensic Psychology course with contact via [email protected].
- Other academics involved include Dr. Briony Larance and tutor Camellia Wong, who can be reached at their respective emails.
- Major textbook: Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology (7th Ed.) by Dennis Howitt.
Subject Learning Outcomes
- Identify key concepts and terms in forensic psychology.
- Describe and apply theories of criminal behavior.
- Understand application of psychological principles to criminal justice populations.
- Critically analyze ongoing research in forensic and criminal psychology.
- Grasp principles of forensic assessment and mental illness definitions in legal contexts.
Definition and Origin of Forensic Psychology
- "Forensic" originates from Latin forensis, meaning public or forum.
- Forensic psychology involves applying scientific methods and principles within the legal system.
The Role of Jurors
- Jurors' decisions can be subjective, influenced by personal biases and the opinions of peers.
- Jurors may lack full understanding of the evidence presented and often fail to weigh it equally.
- External motives (e.g., personal schedules) can affect juror deliberations, leading to faulty reasoning.
Roles of Forensic Psychologists
- According to Howard (1981), forensic psychologists perform clinical, experimental, actuarial, and advisory roles.
- Clinical roles include conducting psychological evaluations and psychometric testing.
- Experimental roles encompass research on topics like eyewitness testimony for defense or prosecution.
- Actuarial roles involve statistical analysis of behavioral data, using probabilistic reasoning.
Historical Context of Insanity Defense
- The M'Naghten Rule (1843) set a precedent concerning the understanding of mental illness in legal defenses.
- The rule established that a defendant must not understand the nature or quality of their act due to a mental defect.
Development of Expert Witnesses in Forensic Psychology
- Involvement of psychologists as expert witnesses in U.S. courts marked significant growth in forensic psychology.
- The 1962 case Jenkins v. United States allowed psychologists to provide expert insights on mental illness relating to criminal acts.
- This ruling challenged the monopoly of medical professionals over mental disease expertise.
Understanding Crime
- Crime is a culturally defined concept and varies by social class and legal enforcement.
- Criminal behavior intertwines with unconscious motives reflecting psychological conflict.
Sociological Theories of Crime
- Structural explanations attribute crime to dysfunctional social arrangements preventing legitimate success.
- Subcultural explanations suggest crime emerges from cultural values that conflict with societal norms.
Desistance from Crime
- Earliest theories equated desistance with biological maturation (Goring, 1919).
- Age was recognized as a predictor of desistance but lacked nuance regarding its interpretation (Sampson and Laub, 1992).
- Later theories (Clarke and Cornish, 1985) emphasized volition in desistance, supported by qualitative evidence from former criminals (Cusson and Pinsonneault, 1986) highlighting factors like personal reassessment and awareness of consequences.
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Description
Get familiar with the subject overview and learning outcomes of Forensic Psychology, covering major terms, concepts, theories of criminal behavior, and more. Learn about the academics and tutors involved in the course. This quiz is specifically designed for students of PSYC357 Intake 1 2024.
