Assignment 1 Forensic Psychology
Assignment 1: The Nature of Forensic Psychology
Understand the applied nature of forensic psychology
Forensic psychologist’s assessment of offenders to stand trial
The role of a forensic psychologist in the assessment of offenders is to examine the psychological health of the offender. They will be involved and assessing the offenders throughout all stages of the trial, Pre-trail, trial and sentencing.
It is the job of a forensic psychologist during the pre-trial to examine and assess who they are employed by, they will also watch police questioning and assess the offender during this time. The forensic psychologist will evaluate the offender and examine if they are fit enough to stand trial.
Does the offender know what it is that they were doing and that what they were doing was wrong? Do they know what it is that they are agreeing to?
Dr. Gaskell submits a written forensic psychological evaluation report addressing competency to stand trial or fitness to stand trial, which includes:
The underlying bases for any diagnosis (mental disability or impairment)
A description of mental disability or impairment, if any, and the severity of any disability, defect or impairment.
An opinion on whether and to what extent the mental disability, defect or impairment impairs the defendants ability to understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against him and/or assist in his defence.
The issues of potential malingering (exaggerating or feigning symptoms of mental disability/impairment/disorder) will be evaluated.
If it was opined that a person was incompetent to stand trial, the potential for restoration to competency will be addressed. Expert testimony is also provided when necessary in competency to stand trial cases. (Dr Gaskell)
Not only is it their job to find out if the offender is fit enough to but it is also their job to examine the offender if they claim insanity, for example, Ian Huntley.
In order to establish defence on the grounds of insanity
Understand the applied nature of forensic psychology
Forensic psychologist’s assessment of offenders to stand trial
The role of a forensic psychologist in the assessment of offenders is to examine the psychological health of the offender. They will be involved and assessing the offenders throughout all stages of the trial, Pre-trail, trial and sentencing.
It is the job of a forensic psychologist during the pre-trial to examine and assess who they are employed by, they will also watch police questioning and assess the offender during this time. The forensic psychologist will evaluate the offender and examine if they are fit enough to stand trial.
Does the offender know what it is that they were doing and that what they were doing was wrong? Do they know what it is that they are agreeing to?
Dr. Gaskell submits a written forensic psychological evaluation report addressing competency to stand trial or fitness to stand trial, which includes:
The underlying bases for any diagnosis (mental disability or impairment)
A description of mental disability or impairment, if any, and the severity of any disability, defect or impairment.
An opinion on whether and to what extent the mental disability, defect or impairment impairs the defendants ability to understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against him and/or assist in his defence.
The issues of potential malingering (exaggerating or feigning symptoms of mental disability/impairment/disorder) will be evaluated.
If it was opined that a person was incompetent to stand trial, the potential for restoration to competency will be addressed. Expert testimony is also provided when necessary in competency to stand trial cases. (Dr Gaskell)
Not only is it their job to find out if the offender is fit enough to but it is also their job to examine the offender if they claim insanity, for example, Ian Huntley.
In order to establish defence on the grounds of insanity