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What does a forensic psychologist do?

#psychology #criminal #forensics #forensicpsychologist

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Prashanth’s Answer

Hi Alexandra,

I hope you’re doing well & wish that you have a great week ahead.

Forensic psychology is a field that combines the practice of psychology and the law. Those who work in this field utilize psychological expertise as it applies to the justice system. The word 'forensic' originates from the Latin word 'forensis,' which means "the forum," or the court system of Ancient Rome.

The American Board of Forensic Psychology describes this field as the application of psychology to issues that involve the law and legal system.1
Interest in forensic psychology has grown significantly in recent years. Increasing numbers of graduate programs offer dual degrees in psychology and law, while others provide specialization in forensic psychology.
Some psychologists hold a specialist degree in forensic psychology, but most are licensed psychologists who hold either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. These professionals may work in both criminal and civil law areas.


What Do They Do?

If you enjoy learning about the science of human behavior and the law, then forensic psychology will probably interest you quite a bit. The field has witnessed dramatic growth in recent years, as more and more students become interested in this applied branch of psychology. However, forensic psychology is about much more than the glamorized views portrayed in television shows, movies, and books.


Common Job Roles
Some of the functions typically performed within forensic psychology include:3

 Competency evaluations
 Sentencing recommendations
 Evaluations of the risk of reoffending
 Testimony as an expert witness
 Child custody evaluations
 Academic research on criminality
 Consult with law enforcement
 Treatment of criminal offenders
 Provide psychological services to inmates and offenders
 Trial consultants who help with jury selection, witness preparation, or legal strategies
 Design correctional programs

Forensic psychology is defined as the intersection of psychology and the law, but forensic psychologists can perform many roles, so this definition can vary.

In many cases, people working in forensic psychology are not necessarily "forensic psychologists." These individuals might be clinical psychologists, school psychologists, neurologists, or counselors who lend their psychological expertise to provide testimony, analysis, or recommendations in legal or criminal cases.

Forensic psychology is not a common degree option, yet more and more schools are offering it as a specialty. If you are interested in becoming a forensic psychologist, you should take courses that focus on topics such as:

Criminal psychology
Social behavior
Abnormal behavior
Cognitive psychology
Perception
Drugs and psychopharmacology
Law
Criminal justice

You can also visit the source given below to know more
Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/an-overview-of-forensic-psychology-2794901

Hope this answers your query
Good Luck 😊

Prashanth TM
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Lyndsay’s Answer

Check out the definition of the career the APA has:
https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2013/09/forensic-psychology
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Kevin’s Answer

A forensic psychologist works with law enforcement agencies to develop profiles of criminals. They study the behavior of criminals based on psychological traits.
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