Introduction to psychology

1. Introduction to Forensic
Psychology

2. Psychology
• Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. It embrace all aspects
of the human experience, from the functions of the brain to the actions of
nations, from child development to care for the aged.
• Psychologist- treats a person through psychotherapy.
• Psychiatrist- is a medical doctor, focuses on prescribing medication and
other interventions to manage mental health conditions.

3. Forensic Psychology
• Forensic psychology is the body of the scientific knowledge of
psychology applied and utilised in legal matters, usually in court of law. It
may be used at the pre-trial, during trial or at post trial stage.
Definition – “ Forensic psychology shall mean the application of the
science and profession of psychology in relation to questions and issues to
law and legal system”.
• The role - pre-trial :
To verify whether the criminal responsibility can be attributed to the
person.
To link or delink the attitude, intention, concept of right and wrong and
behaviour with the criminal act/behaviour.

4. The role - during-trial
• Psychosomatic interaction and Body Signs during interrogation
Facial change
Contortion
Perspiration
Stuttering
Eye contact
Fidgeting
Dry Mouth
Delayed answers
Emotional breakdown
Hysterical Fit

5. Application and Scope of Forensic Psychology
Complimentary with the legal system in evaluating an individual’s
capability to face trial, defense grounded on psychological disease or
deficiencies (e.g; insanity) and sentencing recommedations.
Two main areas of criminal assessments in forensic psychology.
1. Capability to Stand Trial (CST)
2. Mental State at the time of the Offence (MSO)
• Sanity
• Malingering
• Treatment of Juvenile offenders

6. • Nature and quantum of punishment
• Competence to face trial
• Prediction of violence and assessment of risk
• Criminal responsibility
• Sentence mitigation
• Drug addiction/de-addiction
• Truth through interrogation
• Criminal’s Profile

7. • The role - post-trial
- Counselling to the inmates
- Guidance
- Rehabilitation
- Restitution
- Reintegration