Forensic Psychology: Understanding Behavior in the Legal System

Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes by observing the interactions of people to one another and their environment. This expertise can prove useful in the legal world for gaining a better understanding of a court case and the people involved in it.

Definition

• A forensic psychologist applies the principles of psychology to the legal or criminal-justice fields to assist judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals understand the psychological findings involved in a particular case.

Where They Work

• Forensic psychologists can specialize in the areas of family, civil, or criminal court, acting as expert witnesses and performing tasks such as mental competency evaluations and investigating claims of child abuse. Some forensic psychologists work in educational settings, researching human behavior, criminology, and the legal system, and others teach.

Education

• Forensic psychologists must earn a doctorate, with some graduate programs offering specialization in forensic psychology. Some of these professionals have law training or receive a Juris Doctor, the degree earned by attorneys.