What is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic Psychology is the intersection between psychology and the justice system. It involves understanding criminal and civil law in a special way in order to be able to interact appropriately with court officials, attorneys and other legal and civilian professionals.
The American Board of Forensic Psychology and the American Psychology-Law Society (1995) define forensic psychology as:
The professional practice by psychologists within the areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, and school psychology, when they are engaged regularly as experts and represent themselves as such, in an activity primarily intended to provide professional psychological expertise to the judicial system. (p. 6)
An important aspect of forensic psychology is the ability to administer psychological assessments and convey the psychological findings in a way that can be understood by those in the judicial system. Courts, lawyers, law enforcement agencies, child protective agencies, and other human protective agencies are increasingly seeking assessment and consultation from psychological specialists.