What is Forensic Psychology?

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Forensic Psychology focuses on the provision of psychological services within the justice system. The Forensic Psychologist is closely allied with and draws upon the knowledge bases of psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and the law.

The term forensic psychology is derived from the Latin word, forum, meaning, “Pertaining to the courts”. Forensic Psychology thus combines the law and psychology, with the emphasis on the applications of psychological knowledge in judicial matters. In short, Forensic Psychology is that branch of applied psychology, which is concerned with the collection, examination, and presentation of evidence for judicial purposes.

Forensic Psychologists apply their knowledge to legislators, judges, correctional officers, lawyers, and the police, and serve as an expert witness, who strives to obtain an objective, impartial stance.

THE LAW AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

CRIMINAL LAW

OFFENDER PROFILING

After a suspected criminal is arrested the Forensic Psychologist uses information of the crime, interviews and psychological instruments and also witnesses’ accounts, to infer characteristics about the likely offender. The defence uses this information and the forensic psychological report to formulate their legal arguments in front of the Judge women elevator sneakers.

CIVIL LAW

Compensation where cognitive impairment or emotional trauma has been suffered or earning potential has been adversely affected as a result of some action for which the defendant is being held responsible.

Identification of PTSD symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder) can form the basis for defining psychological injury in civil (compensation) cases as well as negating culpability or mitigating sentences in criminal cases.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT and extent of mental and emotional damage sustained by the plaintiff, and sometimes by his or her family, as a result of alleged sexual harassment. Concerns may be raised about problems characteristic of psychopathology, such as depressive or anxious behaviour, social or emotional withdrawal, suicidal gestures or attempts, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviour, and other acting out behaviour. The Forensic Psychologist’s task is to determine whether any of these conditions exist and to what extent they may be related to the sexual harassment alleged in the lawsuit.

CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAW

COMPETENCY TO STAND TRAIL

Fitness to plead, known as “competency to stand trial”, is principally related to whether or not a defendant has sufficient cognitive abilities to make a proper defence. This happens when the defendant’s physical or mental state at the time of the trail is thought to interfere with the due process of the law (i.e., the defendant would not have a fair trial if the case proceeds). The Forensic Psychologist will in this instance provide evidence to the court pertaining to the defendant’s medical, psychiatric or psychological status.

SEXUAL ABUSE

In cases of suspected sexual abuse the primary goal of the Forensic Psychologist is to document the chronology, psychosocial context, and consistency of allegations. When a child was sexually abused a Forensic Psychologist will, through investigative interviewing and the use of anatomical dolls, determine the sexual and psychological trauma caused by the abuse.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

When a child is at risk for harm, a Forensic Psychologist may become involved and make contributions to child welfare decisions and the court.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence most often takes the form of spousal abuse but often overlaps with child abuse. The role of the Forensic Psychologist is to explore and determine the physical, medical, and emotional harm caused by the abuse.

FOSTER CARE

Foster care generally means, care of children on a fulltime, temporary basis by persons other than their own parents. The Forensic Psychologist can assess children that are in need of a substitute family, and recommendations can be submitted to the justice system in order to secure a safe and healthy environment for the child to prosper and grow.

CHILD CUSTODY

Custody disputes can arise when divorcing parents are not able to agree on residential and parenting arrangements for their children. Custody disputes often include determinations about visitation. Sometimes, the Forensic Psychologist evaluates a visitation dispute, rather than an argument over custody.

MEDIATION

The Forensic Psychologist may be involved in mediating if couples are motivated to be child centred in their custody negotiations and both parents are able to trust and work with the mediator. Mediation has been heralded by some as an important alternative to the adversarial system of custody disputes.

MVA & PERSONAL INJURIES

Personal injury cases: Motor vehicle accidents in which the victim with a traumatic brain injury was a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, or where a severe head injury occurred as a result of a faulty piece of equipment.

Product liability cases: Patients exposed to certain neurotoxic chemicals or the malfunction of safety equipment resulting in brain injury.

Workers’ compensation cases: Client suffered a traumatic brain injury as a direct result of his or her employment.

Professional Misconduct: Unacceptable behaviour, especially by a professional person.

Curatorship: The Forensic Psychologist could also be of assistance in social security determination, disability assessments and the inability to make a contract or will.

DR ROSA BREDEKAMP (D.Phil et Litt) is a Registered Counselling Psychologist with 20 years of experience in clinical and psycho-legal (forensic) practice. Trained Marital Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Play Therapist and to Assess the Emotional Traumatised Child. Accredited Member of the South African Clinical Neuropsychological Association.



Telephone during work hours: 021 976 7333

Fax number: 021 975 5188

e-mail: rbredekamp@absamail.co.za