Forensic psychology and expert witness Nicholas Ranstad Grantham University PS380 Instructor Laura Howe introduction According to Bartol & Bartol (2017), forensic psychology is defined as a field that combines two disciplines; the legal system, and psychology. Individuals in this field are required to use their psychological knowledge and skills and apply them to the justice system. Forensic psychology is not performed by forensic psychologists only but rather involves any psychologist whose skills, experience, and expertise are used to inform r guide the court. A psychologist becomes an expert witness when they are required to perform a diagnosis and an assessment on an individual crucial to a case and offer their professional opinion. The presentation will discuss how clinical psychologists, school psychologists, child psychologists, forensic psychologists, and neuropsychologists can be appointed as an expert witness. forensic psychologist A forensic psychologist facilitates the legal processes by offering psychology knowledge and opinion as requested by the court in the legal system. Forensic psychology was created because of the legal system’s need to determine why specific defendants behave the way they do. Forensic psychologist’s main duty is to apply psychology to a forensic setting states Blau, (1998). forensic psychologist training To become a forensic psychologist, one must first earn a bachelor's degree from accredited institutions. There are two options for undergraduate level; major in psychology with criminology, criminal justice, or prelaw minor; and major in any of the three law subjects with a minor in psychology. However, the first alternative is the most recommended because some graduate programs only accept that option. Next, one should enroll in a master’s degree in forensic psychology or PsyD/Ph.D. in psychology that majors in forensic psychology. A law degree is recommended but not necessary, and then pursue a doctorate in psychology (PsyD/Ph.D. will suffice). the last steps to be a forensic psychologist are to obtain licensure and certification by the board (Bartol, & Bartol, 2017). forensic psychologist cases A psychologist in forensic will act as an expert witness to explain complex psychology concepts to the jury. The attorney will consult these specialists in cases where a defendant’s or witness’s state of mind needs to be assessed to determine if they will stand trial or testify. The specialist will evaluate disputing parties to determine the reliability of the information. Their expertise will be needed when a prisoner is about to be released from jail, where the practitioner is required to prepare the inmate for the outside world. Providing the most amazing experience you will ever encounter from the average Nail Spa. No overworked technicians. 5 forensic psychologist example A forensic psychologist will become an expert witness when the court has doubts on the infor ...

1. Forensic psychology and expert witness
Nicholas Ranstad
Grantham University
PS380
Instructor Laura Howe
introduction
According to Bartol & Bartol (2017), forensic psychology is
defined as a field that combines two disciplines; the legal
system, and psychology. Individuals in this field are required to
use their psychological knowledge and skills and apply them to
the justice system. Forensic psychology is not performed by
forensic psychologists only but rather involves any psychologist
whose skills, experience, and expertise are used to inform r
guide the court. A psychologist becomes an expert witness when
they are required to perform a diagnosis and an assessment on
an individual crucial to a case and offer their professional
opinion. The presentation will discuss how clinical
psychologists, school psychologists, child psychologists,
forensic psychologists, and neuropsychologists can be appointed
as an expert witness.

2. forensic psychologist
A forensic psychologist facilitates the legal processes by
offering psychology knowledge and opinion as requested by the
court in the legal system. Forensic psychology was created
because of the legal system’s need to determine why specific
defendants behave the way they do. Forensic psychologist’s
main duty is to apply psychology to a forensic setting states
Blau, (1998).
forensic psychologist training
To become a forensic psychologist, one must first earn a
bachelor's degree from accredited institutions. There are two
options for undergraduate level; major in psychology with
criminology, criminal justice, or prelaw minor; and major in any
of the three law subjects with a minor in psychology. However,
the first alternative is the most recommended because some
graduate programs only accept that option. Next, one should
enroll in a master’s degree in forensic psychology or
PsyD/Ph.D. in psychology that majors in forensic psychology. A
law degree is recommended but not necessary, and then pursue a
doctorate in psychology (PsyD/Ph.D. will suffice). the last steps
to be a forensic psychologist are to obtain licensure and
certification by the board (Bartol, & Bartol, 2017).

3. forensic psychologist cases
A psychologist in forensic will act as an expert witness to
explain complex psychology concepts to the jury. The attorney
will consult these specialists in cases where a defendant’s or
witness’s state of mind needs to be assessed to determine if they
will stand trial or testify. The specialist will evaluate disputing
parties to determine the reliability of the information. Their
expertise will be needed when a prisoner is about to be released
from jail, where the practitioner is required to prepare the
inmate for the outside world.
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forensic psychologist example
A forensic psychologist will become an expert witness when the
court has doubts on the information testified by an eyewitness.
The specialist will be required to assess the witness and the
information they have offered the court and determine whether
it is accurate. The psychologist will then offer the attorney and
jury a professional opinion on the reliability and accuracy of the
information.
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4. clinical psychologist
According to Gudjonsson & Haward, (2016), clinical
psychology is the discipline that is concerned with the
emotional and mental health of people. Professionals in this
field use their honed communication and analytical skills to
assist the population in improving its quality of life. These
experts are concerned with understanding the emotional, mental,
and behavioral issues affecting the population, including
children, adults, and the elderly.
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clinical psychologist training
The first step to becoming a clinical psychologist is to enroll in
a bachelor’s degree in psychology or sociology, pre-med, or
anthropology because there is no undergraduate degree in
clinical psychology. The next step is to enroll in a master's
degree in clinical psychology or combine programs that will
result in doctorate rather than completing the mater's and then
enrolling in the doctorate. But this option of combining
programs is not available for those who did not graduate with a
degree in psychology. In the doctorate stage, the student can
pursue PsyD/Ph.D. the latter focusses on research while the
former focuses on a clinical setting. Students are required to
complete two years of internship under the instructions of a

5. licensed clinal psychologist. The last step is to get licensure to
form the board (Neal & Brodsky, 2016).
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clinical psychologist cases
Clinical psychologists’ expertise will be needed in case that
involve addictions. This area covers a wide range of addictions,
including substance use and abuse, as well as addictive
behaviors. Cases involving domestic violence also require the
expertise of clinical psychologists. These professionals may be
called upon in a divorce to determine the reliability of evidence
or present and explain evidence from their diagnosis and
assessment of the victim or defendant. Their expertise will be
needed in cases involving children with traumatic experiences
or those who show abnormal behavior, and they will be required
to advise the jury and the attorney on the issue (Gudjonsson, &
Haward, 2016).
clinical psychologist example
A clinical psychologist will be an expert witness in the legal
system when the court wants to challenge an insanity defense.
The professional will be required to conduct a diagnosis and
assess the defendant to determine if they have any mental
illness. The professional will then determine the relationship
between the defendant's mental status when they allegedly
committed the offense and their responsibility for the offense

6. with which they are charged (Bartol, & Bartol, 2017).
school psychologist
School psychologists collaborate with teachers, students, and
parents to build a conducive learning experience states Tadei et
al. (2016). These psychologists utilize their skills and
knowledge to help students with behavioral issues and foster the
emotional stability of students, which improves the learning
environment. These professionals identify the needs of student
which help teachers to create an inclusive and safe classroom.
school psychologist training
The educational requirements to become a school psychologist
include a relevant bachelor’s degree.one must have attained
either a post-master’s degree in education or a degree in
psychology to be accepted for the school psychologist program.
An education specialist is viable for the school psychologist
program. Those with a bachelor’s degree can start the program
as they work towards achieving the Ed.S. the student also has
the chance to further his Ed.S to an Ed.D or Ph.D. Thus,
education specialist is recommended for those who want to
pursue school psychology in the future. The student must
undergo the National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)
certification, which requires 1200 internship hours on top of the
previously mentioned requirements. Of the 1200 hours, 600

7. hours must be achieved in a school setting. Lastly, the student
will apply for licensure, and the qualifications in this stage
mirror those of the NCSP (Gudjonsson, & Haward, 2016).
school psychologist cases
School psychologists play a significant role in the development
of children. If they feel that a child is not receiving the needed
learning environment, they will be obligated to intervene. These
professionals may be called upon to offer their skills and
knowledge in cases that involve bullying. Their expertise will
also be need when the school is not facilitating an all-inclusive
classroom when the student has a learning disability. In case a
student is experiencing family trauma, the school psychologists
will be involved. They will work with the legal system,
teachers, parents, and the student to improve the learning
environment (Neal, & Brodsky, 2016).
school psychologist example
A school psychologist will be an expert witness in court when a
child is not receiving equal opportunities in school. The
psychologists will be required to show psychological evidence
that the school is not offering an inclusive learning
environment. The professional will show results of assessments
done to the particular student for some time, and provide
evidence of the adverse effects caused by this discrimination.
The psychologist will also be required to prepare the child to
give their testimony in court.

8. neuropsychologist
According to Tadei et al. (2016), neuropsychologists study the
correlation between human behavior and the brain systems and
functions. Neuropsychology combines two disciplines;
psychology that is concerned with the thought process and
behavioral well-being and neurology that is concerned with the
physical health of the central nervous system and the human
brain. Due to the nature of this profession, most experts work in
a medical setting and research.
Neuropsychologist training
The educational needs for a neuropsychologist begin with
earning a bachelor's degree in relevant programs from
accredited institutions. For one to be accepted in a mater's
degree in neuropsychology, they must graduate with a
bachelor's in psychology, pre-medicine, biology, neuroscience,
or related field. The next step is to earn a master’s degree in
neuropsychology, but this is only necessary if one needs
specialized knowledge. Most prospects with a bachelor’s degree
will be accepted to the doctorate program. Specialized clinical
neuropsychology study begins at the doctorate level. Students
have the option to study either Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical
psychology; however, this should be followed through with a
postdoctoral certificate program. The next step is acquiring
licensure after practical experience and passing the Professional
Practice of Psychology examination. Certification is only
achieved after one has had postdoctoral experience states Neal

9. & Brodsky, (2016).
Neuropsychologist cases
Neuropsychologist’s expertise will be called upon in cases that
involve defendants, victims, or witnesses with brain injuries to
determine the reliability of their testimonies or determine if
they are fit to stand trial. Neuropsychologists will also be called
upon when the case involves neurodegenerative and
neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuropsychologists engage in
extensive researches on these illnesses, and thus their
professional opinions are highly regarded in courts (Tadei et al.
2016).
Neuropsychologist example
A neuropsychologist will become an expert witness when a
plaintiff claims that physical head trauma resulted in
psychological illness. The neuropsychologist will perform a
diagnosis of the brain to determine the extent of the physical
damage. The specialist will then examine the plaintiff’s nervous
system and how the physical trauma is affecting the thought
process. The specialist will then give a professional opinion on
the extent to which the psychological illness is attributed to
bodily injury.

10. child psychologist
According to Tadei et al. (2016), child psychologists diagnose,
assess, and treat behavioral, developmental, and emotional
disorders in children. These professionals are more focused on
the clinical setting rather than research. Thus, they work more
closely with their patients to develop treatments and monitor
their progress.
child psychologist training
There are no undergraduate degrees in child psychology, and
thus a prospect should consider baccalaureate degrees such as
child development, general psychology, social sciences, and
psychology. Depending on the institution and state, a graduate
is required to undertake a master’s degree, while others institute
it is included in the doctorate. This option is presented in the
application of an undergraduate. Next, the student is required to
complete a practicum, which is supervised and overseen by the
American Phycological Association. The prospect then sits for
an examination for professional practice in psychology. The
candidate is then required to take a postdoctoral fellowship in a
field related to child psychology (Tadei et al. 2016).

11. child psychologist cases
Child psychologists’ services are needed in cases that involve
children who have experienced trauma such as the death of a
parent or divorce. These professional’s expertise is required
when there is a case of a child whose mental condition is being
affected by a stressful home environment states Bartol, &
Bartol, (2017). The experts are required to diagnose and asses
the child's psychological status and offer a professional opinion
to the jury.
child psychologist example
In a divorce case, a child psychologist will use their knowledge
and skills to offer the court a professional opinion on the
psychological factors that will impact the best interests of the
child. The specialist will also be required to testify on the
dispute of child custody to help the court determine the decision
that will lead to the well-being of the child. The child
psychologist will also determine the consequences of the
outcome will have on the family (Blau, 1998).
References
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2017). Introduction to forensic
psychology: Research and application. Sage Publications.
Neal, T., & Brodsky, S. L. (2016). Forensic psychologists’
perceptions of bias and potential correction strategies in
forensic mental health evaluations. Psychology, Public Policy,
and Law, 22(1), 58.
Blau, T. H. (1998). The psychologist as an expert witness. John

12. Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Tadei, A., Finnilä, K., Reite, A., Antfolk, J., & Santtila, P.
(2016). Judges’ capacity to evaluate psychological and
psychiatric expert testimony. Nordic Psychology, 68(3), 204-
217.
Gudjonsson, G. H., & Haward, L. R. (2016). Forensic
psychology: A guide to practice. Routledge.