Forensic Psychology And Expert Witness Nicholas Ranstad Gran

Forensic Psychology And Expert Witnessnicholas Ranstadgrantham Univers

According to Bartol & Bartol (2017), forensic psychology is defined as a field that combines two disciplines; the legal system, and psychology. Individuals in this field are required to use their psychological knowledge and skills and apply them to the justice system. Forensic psychology is not performed by forensic psychologists only but rather involves any psychologist whose skills, experience, and expertise are used to inform or guide the court. A psychologist becomes an expert witness when they are required to perform a diagnosis and an assessment on an individual crucial to a case and offer their professional opinion.

The presentation will discuss how clinical psychologists, school psychologists, child psychologists, forensic psychologists, and neuropsychologists can be appointed as an expert witness. Forensic psychologists facilitate legal processes by offering psychology knowledge and opinion as requested by the court in the legal system. They were created to help determine why specific defendants behave the way they do, with their main duty being to apply psychology to a forensic setting (Blau, 1998).

To become a forensic psychologist, one must first earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The preferred undergraduate pathways include majoring in psychology with criminology, criminal justice, or prelaw minors; or majoring in law-related subjects with a psychology minor. The first option is recommended for compatibility with graduate programs. Following undergraduate studies, enrolling in a master's program in forensic psychology or a PsyD/Ph.D. focused on forensic psychology is necessary. Law degrees are optional but beneficial. Achieving licensure and certification by the relevant board concludes the pathway to becoming a forensic psychologist (Bartol & Bartol, 2017).

In forensic cases, psychologists act as expert witnesses to explain complex psychology concepts to juries. Attorneys consult these specialists when assessing the mental state of defendants or witnesses to determine their competence to stand trial or testify. Psychologists evaluate these individuals' reliability, and in cases involving release from incarceration, they prepare inmates for reentry into society. An example includes assessing eyewitness testimony reliability, where psychologists determine the credibility of the testimony and provide their expert opinion to the court.

Clinical Psychologist

Gudjonsson & Haward (2016) define clinical psychology as a discipline concerned with emotional and mental health. Clinical psychologists use their communication and analytical skills to help individuals improve their well-being, addressing behavioral, emotional, and mental issues across various age groups. They often work directly with clients in clinical settings to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

The typical educational pathway involves enrolling in a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, pre-med, or anthropology, followed by a master’s or combined program leading to a PsyD or Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Supervised internships are a core component, and licensure is obtained after completing requisite practical experience and examinations (Neal & Brodsky, 2016). In legal contexts, clinical psychologists are often called upon in cases involving addiction, domestic violence, traumatic childhood experiences, or mental illness assessments, including insanity defenses.

An example includes a clinical psychologist acting as an expert witness in insanity defense cases, where they evaluate whether a defendant's mental state at the time of the offense impacted their responsibility. Their assessments are crucial in legal determinations concerning criminal responsibility (Bartol & Bartol, 2017).

School Psychologist

School psychologists collaborate with educators, students, and families to create supportive learning environments (Tadei et al., 2016). They identify behavioral issues, foster emotional stability, and help develop inclusive, safe classrooms. Educational requirements include a relevant bachelor’s degree, often complemented by a post-master’s educational specialist degree (Ed.S.) or higher. Certification, such as the National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), involves completing internship hours and passing relevant examinations (Gudjonsson & Haward, 2016).

School psychologists' expertise is vital in cases involving bullying, learning disabilities, or stressful family circumstances affecting a child's academic performance. They may be called as expert witnesses in court to demonstrate, through assessments and evidence, that a school environment is neglecting its duty to provide equal educational opportunities (Neal & Brodsky, 2016). For instance, they may testify that a school’s failure to accommodate a student’s needs has adversely affected the child's psychological development.

Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists study the relationship between brain functioning and human behavior, integrating psychology and neurology. Most work in clinical, research, and medical settings. Their training involves earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, biology, or related fields, followed by graduate studies—typically a Ph.D. or Psy.D.—and postdoctoral certification (Tadei et al., 2016). They are licensed after practical experience and passing relevant examinations (Neal & Brodsky, 2016).

In court cases, neuropsychologists evaluate individuals with brain injuries or neurodegenerative disorders to determine the credibility of their testimonies or fitness to stand trial. They assess the extent of brain damage and its impact on psychological functioning. For example, they may diagnose if a brain injury caused neurobehavioral issues affecting a plaintiff’s mental responsibility or if the injury contributed to a psychological disorder.

An illustrative case involves assessing a plaintiff claiming that a head injury led to psychological impairments. The neuropsychologist diagnoses brain damage, examines neural functioning, and evaluates how physical trauma correlates with mental health symptoms, providing expert evidence in court (Tadei et al., 2016).

Child Psychologist

Child psychologists specialize in diagnosing and treating behavioral, developmental, and emotional disorders in children. They focus on clinical rather than research settings, working closely with patients to develop and monitor treatment strategies (Tadei et al., 2016).

Educational pathways usually include a bachelor’s degree in child development, psychology, or social sciences, followed by graduate training—either a master’s or doctoral degree. Postdoctoral fellowships are often required for specialization. Certification involves supervised clinical hours and examinations (Bartol & Bartol, 2017).

In legal cases, child psychologists are called upon when children have experienced trauma such as parental loss, divorce, or abuse. They assess the child's psychological state and provide expert opinions on issues like custody or impact of trauma. For instance, they may testify about a child's mental health status and how custody arrangements might affect their well-being (Blau, 1998).

Conclusion

In conclusion, various specialized psychologists contribute significantly as expert witnesses in legal settings. Each profession—whether forensic, clinical, school, neuropsychology, or child psychology—possesses unique training, expertise, and roles that are integral to the justice system. Their assessments and testimony aid courts in understanding complex psychological issues, ensuring fair and informed legal decisions. Understanding the pathways to becoming these professionals and appreciating their roles highlights the interdisciplinary effort required to administer justice effectively regarding mental health and behavioral concerns.

References

• Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2017). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application. Sage Publications.
• Neal, T., & Brodsky, S. L. (2016). Forensic psychologists’ perceptions of bias and potential correction strategies in forensic mental health evaluations. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 22(1), 58.
• Blau, T. H. (1998). The psychologist as an expert witness. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• Tadei, A., Finnilà¤, K., Reite, A., Antfolk, J., & Santtila, P. (2016). Judges’ capacity to evaluate psychological and psychiatric expert testimony. Nordic Psychology, 68(3).
• Gudjonsson, G. H., & Haward, L. R. (2016). Forensic psychology: A guide to practice. Routledge.