The application of psychological knowledge and methods to legal questions, including criminal profiling, competency evaluation, and eyewitness testimony.
From Latin 'forensis' (of the forum, public) + Greek 'psychologia.' Psychology applied to the court and law.
Forensic psychology is where psychology meets the courtroom — are they competent to stand trial? Can we trust that eyewitness? Psychology has answers for the law.
Forensic psychology has historically centered male perpetrators and male victims; female offenders were pathologized through gendered lenses (e.g., 'mad' rather than 'bad'), and female victims' trauma responses were scrutinized for 'inconsistency.' Expert witness testimony has been used to discredit women's accounts.
Use 'forensic psychology' but ensure threat assessment, credibility evaluation, and trauma response interpretation are gender-informed. Recognize that bias in forensic assessment can perpetuate injustice.
["gender-informed forensic psychology","justice-centered forensic practice"]
Forensic psychologists like Harriet Kilby and Jennifer Freyd have documented how forensic assessment can either perpetuate or interrupt gender-based violence; centering trauma-informed practice is an equity issue.
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