Forensic Psychology Study Guide PDF - Exam 1
Document Details
Uploaded by FelicitousHarmonica8931
Tags
Summary
This document is a comprehensive study guide for forensic psychology and the law, covering key concepts such as forensic psychology, crime theories, police psychology, and therapeutic jurisprudence. The guide appears to be designed for exam preparation, with topics including false confessions, community policing, and public perception of law enforcement.
Full Transcript
PSYCH & LAW STUDY GUIDE - EXAM 1 Introduction to Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology: Applying psychology to legal issues (criminal & civil). Key Figures in History: - James McKeen Cattell: Studied eyewitness accuracy. - Hugo Münsterberg: “Father of psychology & la...
PSYCH & LAW STUDY GUIDE - EXAM 1 Introduction to Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology: Applying psychology to legal issues (criminal & civil). Key Figures in History: - James McKeen Cattell: Studied eyewitness accuracy. - Hugo Münsterberg: “Father of psychology & law.” - Karl Llewellyn: Advocated for evolving laws. - Brown v. Board (1954): Used psychological research in court. Subfields in Forensic Psychology - Police Psychology: Screening officers, stress management. - Legal Psychology: Jury selection, custody evaluations. - Criminal Psychology: Studying criminal behavior. - Victim Psychology: Trauma effects, supporting victims. - Correctional Psychology: Treating & assessing inmates. Law & Behavior Three Views of Law & Society: - Consensus View: Laws keep order (e.g., traffic laws). - Conflict View: Laws favor the powerful (e.g., corporate vs. drug crimes). - Interactionist View: Laws reflect social values (e.g., marijuana legalization). Crime & Law as Social Constructs: - Crime definitions change over time (e.g., same-sex marriage). Psychology & Law Interactions Key Legal Conflicts: - Individual Rights vs. Common Good: Privacy vs. safety. - Equality vs. Discretion: Should all cases be treated the same? - Truth vs. Conflict Resolution: Court aims to settle cases, not always find “truth.” - Science vs. Law: Law relies on past rulings; psychology uses research. Roles of Psychologists in Law: - Basic Scientist: Conducts research. - Applied Scientist: Expert witness. - Policy Evaluator: Studies legal policies. - Advocate: Pushes for legal changes. Therapeutic Jurisprudence (TJ) Definition: Law’s impact on mental health & behaviors Examples: - Mental Health Courts: Treatment instead of jail. - Drug Treatment Courts: Rehab focus for drug offenders. - Domestic Violence Courts: Support for victims & legal protections. Benefits of TJ: Reduces reoffending, improves mental health. Challenges of TJ: Risk of bias, inconsistent sentencing. The Psychology of Crime - Key Crime Questions: 1. Why do people commit crimes? 2. How does society influence crime? Crime Theories Classical Theory: Crime is a choice (risk vs. reward). Positivist Theory: Crime is influenced by biology, psychology, and society. Social Learning Theory: Crime is learned from others. Strain Theory: People commit crimes when they lack legal opportunities. Control Theory: Crime happens when people lack self-control. Psychology of Police Police Selection & Evaluation: - Psychological tests & interviews help screen officers. - Good officers are disciplined, empathetic, logical. Police Training & Stress: - Job stress includes split-second decisions, shift work, public scrutiny. - Long-term stress can cause PTSD, health problems. Use of Force & Brutality: - Force should be necessary & proportional. - Risk factors for excessive force: low empathy, impulsivity, provocation. False Confessions & Interrogations: Types of false confessions: - Coerced-compliant: Confessing to escape pressure. - Coerced-internalized: Innocent person believes they did it. - Common tactics: Good cop/bad cop, fake evidence. Community Policing: Encourages officers to engage positively with communities. Public Perception of Law Enforcement Factors Affecting Public Trust in Police: - Neighborhood Perception: High-crime areas distrust police more. - Type of Contact: Informal conversations = higher approval; arrests = lower approval. - Crime Victimization: Victims, especially of violent crime, rate police lower. - Media Influence: Personal experiences shape opinions more than the news. How to Improve Police-Community Relations: - More informal police interactions (community meetings, youth programs). - Reduce visible crime & disorder. - Conduct regular public surveys. - Strengthen community policing efforts. Final Takeaways Forensic psychology applies research to law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Crime theories explain why people commit crimes & how to prevent it. Police psychology focuses on selection, training, stress, & public perception. Public trust in police depends on crime levels, personal experiences, & fair treatment. Therapeutic jurisprudence shifts focus from punishment to rehabilitation.
