REFLECTION PAPER Name: Kyla Anne P. Subrino Subject: Clinical Psychology Chapter: 19 “Forensic Psychology” “Forensic psychology involves working with the offenders and victims of crimes, as well as assisting those tasked with enforcing, practicing, and applying the law,” as stated in one of the published articles on Maryville University’s online site. When someone commits a crime, it is frequently thought that they will go to jail. They might go through a court proceeding and receive a guilty or not guilty verdict. However, as forensic psychology develops in the field, it has become clear that the aforementioned procedure is not the only one that must be used when someone commits a criminal crime. Instead of just locking up the offender to make him pay for his actions, the forensic psychologist is called upon to assist the court in understanding the crime committed. In every scenario, forensic psychology is there to provide the victim and the accused with an equal voice. Forensic Psychology is the utilization of psychology to concerns and issues regarding the legal system. To be a licensed Forensic Psychologist, one should study elective courses in doctoral programs and have a specialization in the forensic track. One must also have joint graduate degrees and pre and post-doctoral internships to qualify. Now, let us discuss various expertise of Forensic Psychologists applied in law. Forensic Psychologists are committed to mental hospitals and handle child custody issues between separated parents. They are the ones who order release from involuntary confinement, and also the ones who predict the level of dangerousness of an alleged suspect. They state the person with mental disabilityʼs rights in the court and forecast one competency to stand a court trial. They are tasked to determine if one has the power for insanity defense also known as criminal responsibility, and the profiling of criminals. Their role also extends to creating offender treatment programs and many more. Whilst, people who committed a crime might file an insanity plea if claimed to be "not sane" at the time of the crime, and if proven to be otherwise, the criminal can be jailed or pay a penalty, or can also be put on probation. Now, let us explore the ways or rules in which it is decided that the accused is insane. First is the M'Naghten Rule, which states that an insanity defense is successful and is proven to have a disease of mind and defect of reason. Second is Durham Standard which proclaims that the accused will not be responsible for his crime because he is proven to have a mental disorder as the cause. Last is Ali Standard which states the same as the other two mentioned, the accused will not be jailed nor is responsible for the unlawful act he has committed since he is proven to have a mental defect. Moreover, Forensic Psychologists have a code of ethics and standards to follow, since they are licensed professionals in the field. First, the Forensic Psychologist must be accurate in narrating his professional qualifications. One must not falsify them, nor modify any of his degrees, diploma, and certifications. Second, Forensic Psychologists must always be scientifically accurate in their reports and testimonies laid down in court. No reports should be faked, no testimonies should be hoaxed. Lastly, the Forensic Psychologist must be equal, unbiased, and neutral at all times. It's incredibly interesting to think about how psychology affects our lives. People with mental illnesses have been granted rights in court, just like in forensic psychology. People with mental problems have benefited from clinical psychology, which has helped them get over the psychological crisis they are experiencing. We now understand the primary factor influencing human behaviors, and neuropsychology have provided detailed explanations of their causes, effects, and useful treatments. A new, aware, sensitive, and loving world has emerged. Let's keep progressing in a way that is more gratifying, beneficial, and loving. Again, the accused and the victim have been given the chance to stand equally, thanks to Forensic Psychology. Hence, a great viewpoint has been tackled about Forensic Psychology. References: “Introduction.” (2022). Introduction to Forensic Psychology. Maryville University Online. Retrieved from: https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/forensic-psychology/careers/introduction-t o-forensic-psychology/#:~:text=Essentially%2C%20forensic%20psychologists%20play%20a,ins urance%20claims%20or%20custody%20disputes.
