Final Project: Scholarly References Jailya J. Wooden Walden

Final Project: Scholarly References Jailya J Wooden Walden University April 4, 2019

This task involves compiling and analyzing scholarly references related to forensic autopsy methods, psychological autopsy techniques, and the case study of Jodi Arias to understand biases in courtrooms. The references include academic books and journal articles discussing suicide autopsy procedures, the importance of postmortem brain studies, qualitative research in suicide, molecular autopsy findings, and legal case analysis. Additionally, it covers strategies for conducting literature reviews, identifying reliable sources, operationalizing variables, and understanding the ethical and procedural considerations in forensic psychology and legal investigations.

Paper For Above instruction

Autopsy procedures and psychological autopsy play a crucial role in forensic investigations, especially when determining the cause and manner of death. These methods provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding death, covering physical, behavioral, and environmental factors. Given the importance of accurate forensic analysis, scholarly research underpins the development and refinement of these techniques, providing standards and guidelines for professionals in the field.

One significant aspect of forensic autopsy is the psychological autopsy, which involves a detailed study of the decedent's psychological state prior to death. Weinberger, Botello, and Gross (2018) elaborate on the importance of psychological autopsies in distinguishing between different modes of death, such as suicide, homicide, or natural causes. They emphasize that this process involves examining physical evidence, laboratory results, behavioral patterns, and neuropsychological profiles. The goal is to gather comprehensive data, including personality traits, mental health history, and environmental influences, to reconstruct the decedent's mental state and identify potential triggers or risk factors (Weinberger et al., 2018).

Further strengthening the importance of postmortem brain studies, Meyer et al. (2018) highlight research examining impulsivity and gene expression in brains postmortem, which can shed light on biological predispositions to impulsive behaviors associated with suicide and violence. These studies often include analysis of behavior in Next of Kin, providing insights into inherited tendencies or environmental stressors that might influence the decedent's behavioral outcomes, including tendencies toward suicide or homicidal acts. Accurate interpretation of such findings requires a neutral, unbiased approach, respecting the integrity of the evidence and the deceased's privacy (Meyer et al., 2018).

Qualitative research further enhances understanding of suicide by capturing nuanced emotional and behavioral contexts. Hjelmeland and Knizek (2016) demonstrate that qualitative psychological autopsy studies explore the personal narratives and subjective experiences of individuals who have died by suicide. They reveal that self-control issues, mental health lapses, and situational triggers all contribute to suicidal behavior, emphasizing that suicide cannot be solely attributed to mental disorders like bipolar disorder. This level of detail assists families and insurance claimants by providing richer insights into the circumstances leading to death, thereby informing better support and intervention strategies (Hjelmeland & Knizek, 2016).

Similarly, Bates et al. (2018) discuss the significance of molecular autopsy in cases of sudden cardiac death, where traditional medical records do not reveal obvious health issues. Molecular autopsy involves genetic testing to identify underlying cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, that could have caused death. Recognizing the importance of this technique underscores the necessity for medical examiners and forensic experts to maintain objectivity and impartiality, especially when findings have legal or insurance implications. The integrity of autopsy results is vital for justice, insurance claims, and medical understanding (Bates et al., 2018).

Leenaars (2017) advocates for rigorous guidelines in forensic autopsy procedures to accurately determine suicide. His work exemplifies how systematic autopsy protocols, including psychological assessments, help avoid misclassification of death causes. Proper implementation ensures that families understand and accept the cause of death, reducing legal conflicts and insurance disputes. These guidelines serve as a "roadmap" for investigators to uncover the deceased’s mental state, which is essential for establishing suicide versus homicide or accidental death (Leenaars, 2017).

On the legal front, case studies such as Jodi Arias reveal the potential for biases in courtrooms, which can affect justice outcomes. Arias’s case involved complex psychological evaluations and evidentiary disputes where expert opinions on her mental health—such as diagnoses of PTSD—were challenged. The potential for bias among forensic psychologists and witnesses underscores the need for strict adherence to ethical standards to avoid undue influence or favoritism. Misdiagnosis or biased testimonies can distort the jury's understanding of the case, leading to wrongful convictions or unjust sentences (Alt, 2015; Martinez & Pulitzer, 2016).

In examining the Jodi Arias case, it becomes apparent that biases—whether conscious or unconscious—can sway judicial processes. This includes biases related to the defendant’s mental health assessments, the interpretation of evidentiary material, and the personal beliefs of courtroom experts. The case illustrates the importance of objectivity, comprehensive evidence evaluation, and avoiding emotional or cognitive biases that could cloud judgment. Implementing standardized assessment protocols and peer review can mitigate such influences, promoting fair trials and just outcomes (Sarteschi, 2017).

Beyond forensic specifics, research methodologies and literature review strategies are vital for scholars conducting investigations or writing reports. Webster and Watson (2016) emphasize systematic approaches in reviewing literature, from developing focused research questions and selecting relevant databases to critically assessing the quality of sources. Employing these strategies helps ensure the reliability of evidence and validates research conclusions, which is fundamental in legal, medical, and psychological fields. Operationalizing variables and adhering to ethical standards in source selection are crucial steps for credible research (Webster & Watson, 2016).

In summary, forensic autopsy techniques, psychological autopsy, molecular autopsy, and case law analysis are interconnected disciplines that contribute to understanding death causes, preventing wrongful judgments, and ensuring justice. The integration of biological, psychological, and environmental data provides a comprehensive picture that supports legal and medical conclusions. Implementing standardized procedures, avoiding biases, and employing rigorous research strategies are essential to advancing these fields, ultimately leading to fairer legal processes and better public health outcomes.

References

• Alt, W. (2015). The Moral Fool: A Case for Amorality by Hans-Georg Moeller. Philosophy East and West, 65(1).
• Bates, K., Sweeting, J., Yeates, L., McDonald, K., Semsarian, C., & Ingles, J. (2018). Psychological adaptation to molecular autopsy findings following sudden cardiac death. Genetics in Medicine, 20(4), 409-415.
• Hjelmeland, H., & Knizek, B. L. (2016). Qualitative evidence in suicide: Findings from qualitative psychological autopsy studies. In Handbook of qualitative health research for evidence-based practice. Springer, New York, NY.
• Leenaars, A. (2017). The Psychological Autopsy: A Roadmap for Uncovering the Barren Bones of the Suicide's Mind. Routledge.
• Meyer, T., Fries, G., Stertz, L., Dyukova, E., Soares, J., Sandberg, G., & Walss-Bass, C. (2018). Are impulsivity and gene expression in postmortem brains associated? Preliminary findings from the psychological autopsy interviews in the UTHealth Brain Collection. Biological Psychiatry, 83(9), S193-S194.
• Sarteschi, C. M. (2017). Jodi Arias: a case of extreme violence. Violence and Gender, 4(3).
• Webster, J., & Watson, R. T. (2016). Analyzing the past to prepare for the future: Writing a literature review. MIS Quarterly, xiii-xxiii.
• Weinberger, L. E., Botello, T. E., & Gross, B. H. (2018). Psychological Autopsy: Consultative Tool for Suicide Determination. Multidisciplinary Medico-Legal Death Investigation: Role of Consultants, 119.