Forensic Psychology Job Description
With the increasing number of crime television shows that are becoming extremely popular, people have a certain stigma of forensic psychologists and what they actually do. Most of the time, the portrayals of these psychologists are embellished, even though some of the job duties are quite similar to the ones on television. Forensic psychology is the combination of psychology and the legal system. People who are in this field study the behavior and actions of those who have been implicated of a crime and are asked to undergo a mental health examination. The outcome of the exam can lead to a proven guilty or not guilty verdict.
Careers
Most of the careers that are obtained by forensic psychologists are the same as basic psychologists. This list includes clinical and school psychologists, neurologists, and counselors. The difference is that with a background in forensics, these careers are more focused on their relation to the law enforcement system. For example, a school forensic psychologist will deal with cases of suspected child abuse.
Duties
Forensic psychologists are often asked to examine the mental capabilities of a person who has been accused of a crime. It needs to be determined if the convicted person has knowledge of his or her crime, in addition to if he or she is mentally stable enough to have committed the crime. The psychologist also determines the possible motives that would entice a person to commit the crime.
They are also asked to testify in court to give their opinion about the person on trial and the results of the mental exam. The jury uses their results in addition to the other facts in order to make a decision regarding the verdict of the convicted person. Forensic psychologists are also involved in the jury selection process. They analyze each potential jury member to determine if the person would be a good jury member based on how they respond to certain questions.
Forensic psychologists’ skills are also needed when releasing a person from prison. In order to be released from prison back into everyday life, the person must prove to the psychologist that he or she has not suffered damage and is able to act as decent citizen in society. It needs to be proved that the crime will not be committed again; otherwise the inmate will have to stay in prison. Forensic psychologists are also called into prisons to deal with bullying, as well as providing counseling for inmates.
The duties of a forensic psychologist are multi-faceted and their jobs are hardly the same every day. They use their best judgment in determining the mental health of accused felons so that justice can be brought to all of those involved in the case. It is a very exciting career path that is one of the most important elements of the law system.
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