Final Project The definition of Forensic Psychology isnt a clear one.

It means many different things to many different people, serving a multitude of purposes. Its meaning all depends upon which field you intend to put its application to use. For all practicality, the root of Forensic Psychology is intrinsically linked to the study of human behavior, and applying that knowledge and understanding towards evaluation and recommendation within the legal system. This makes Forensic Psychology a broad brush to use in painting a very large canvas. Psychologys main function is studying the human condition. Identifying what aspects of an individuals life shape them into the person before you. Once you have pinpointed certain features and components, you determine what course of behavior is attributable to that individual, and what is beyond their control. Can they legally, and justifiably be held accountable for their actions? This means the many disciplines of psychology can all potentially contribute to the process in one form or another. The practical aspect of Forensic Psychology is vast. Its principles, concepts and knowledge can be applied civilly, as well as within the criminal justice system. For this process to be effective, it is imperative quality research be completed first. That includes evaluations, studies, and investigations. It is the acknowledgement of certain undeniable human truths, and their propensity to affect members of a given society that is so invaluable and imperative in the practice of Forensic Psychology. A Forensic Psychologist must determine an individuals mental capacity and capability to assist in the legal process. This includes consulting multiple areas involved in the prosecution, or defense of, a person on trial; incorporating attorneys advisements, witness depositions, and any additional evidence relating to the case. The role of a Forensic Psychologist goes beyond simple testimony in the courtroom. Their services are requested in child custody evaluations, law enforcement candidate screenings, and clinical services at correctional facilities. The counseling of victims of crime, youth offenders programs, and criminology theory are also ways Forensic Psychologists put their expertise to work. Forensic Psychology professionals are often sought out for their expertise in legal matters. Criminal Forensic Psychologists must work within the confines of the legal system to determine competency, assess sanity, provide testimony, and consult in jury selection. One of the major roles of a Criminal Forensic Psychologist is to determine competency to stand trial. This refers to the mental state of an individual, not necessarily at the time of the crime, but at the time of the criminal proceedings; taking into account both competency to proceed, and decisional competency. This involves pleading guilty, waiving the right to a lawyer, and standing trial on a defendants behalf. Defendants deemed competent are then able to assist in the preparation of their case by helping their attorneys.

Defendants must be informed and comprehensible to waive their constitutional rights. The outcome of many cases has resulted in the courts belief whether or not a defendant is competent, and their attuned ability to understand the proceedings against them, all while successfully consulting with their lawyer in a rational manner, and if the defendant could fully comprehend their actions. It is natural to assume a defendant who is sane is competent to stand trial, or one who is insane is incompetent, but that is not always the case. To determine this, the Forensic Psychologist professional must be an expert witness. They must be a qualified, licensed researcher.