Definitions
This definition of forensic psychology includes any application of psychological knowledge—such as social, developmental, or cognitive psychology—to any legal matter.
What is the Broad Definition
Under the Daubert standard, this individual serves as the "gatekeeper" to ensure expert testimony is relevant and reliable
Trial Judge
This element of a crime refers to the voluntary physical act
actus reus
This ethical violation occurs when a practitioner is in a professional role with a person while also being in a different role with them
Multiple Relationship
Adults are presumed to have this unless evidence suggests a lack of capacity for a specific decision
competence
While psychology is nomothetic, the law is described as this, meaning it focuses on specific cases and individuals.
What is idiographic?
This 1923 standard requires that a scientific principle be "generally accepted" within its relevant field to be admissible
Frye Standard
This element of a crime refers to the "guilty mind" or the mental state and intent
mens rea
This term describes the intentional production of false or exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms for external gain
malingering
This doctrine justifies the state’s involvement in protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot care for themselves
parens patriae
This legal principle, which emphasizes precedent and past case law, is a core tension with psychology's focus on innovation
Answer: What is stare decisis?
The Daubert standard expanded admissibility criteria to include peer review, error rates, and this factor
Testability
The Dusky standard for competency to stand trial focuses specifically on this timeframe of the defendant's ability
here and now
In their communications, forensic practitioners must clearly distinguish between observations, conclusions, and these
inferences
This specific capacity refers to an individual's ability to create a valid will
Testamentary Capacity
Psychology primarily seeks this, whereas the law often requires dichotomous (guilty/not guilty) decisions
What is statistical probability
This 1962 landmark case established that psychologists are legitimate experts on mental illness in federal courts
Jenkins v. United States
This insanity rule focuses on whether a "defect of reason" prevented the defendant from knowing the nature of their act or that it was wrong
M’Naghten Rule
Forensic practitioners are ethically encouraged to avoid these types of fee arrangements where payment depends on the legal outcome
contingent fees
This procedure is a retrospective evaluation of a deceased person's state of mind at the time of a legal act
Psychological Autopsy
This historical figure is often called the "Father of Applied Psychology" for his work promoting psychology in the courtroom
Hugo Münsterberg
The "Gatekeeper" function is intended to keep this type of testimony, often called "junk science," out of the courtroom
unreliable expert testimony
Unlike M'Naghten, the American Law Institute (ALI) standard is a broader test that includes this specific capacity regarding wrongfulness
What is substantial capacity
In forensic psychiatry, these "Four Ds" are used specifically to evaluate malpractice: Duty, Dereliction, Damage, and...
Direct Cause
This is the most common legal assessment involving psychiatric expertise in civil law
What is involuntary hospitalization (or danger to self/others)?