Application: Legal Definitions and the Courts

In many ways, the legal definitions used by forensic psychology professionals are a reminder that the court system exists separate from the field of forensic psychology.

Although the general public may use the term insanity to denote abnormal psychological functioning, it is actually not a psychological term but, instead, a legal term with a very specific legal definition.

This week's application familiarizes you with two different definitions of the legal term of insanity and how, depending on which one is used, different court rulings may result. You also explore how legal definitions impact the role of the forensic psychology professional in general and in the courts.

To prepare for this assignment:

• Review Chapter 8 of your course text Psychological Evaluations for the Courts. Pay attention to the American Law Institute's definition of insanity, as well as the relevance and importance of legal definitions in the courts to forensic psychology professionals.

• Using the Walden Library and/or the Internet, research the legal definition of insanity used in your state or locale of residence. Think about how the definition of insanity in your state is similar to or different from the American Law Institute's definition.

• Compare these two definitions and consider the relevance of the similarities and differences of each. Think about the impact the legal definition of insanity has on the role of the forensic psychology professional in general and in the courts.

The assignment: (1-3 pages)

• Analyze and compare (similarities and differences) the two definitions of insanity you reviewed.

• Analyze and evaluate the relevance and importance of legal definitions to the forensic psychology professional. Justify your response by using the literature.

• Analyze and explain the impact of legal definitions on forensic psychology professionals.

• Analyze and explain the impact of legal definitions on the role of forensic psychology professionals in the courts.

• Explain any insights or conclusions you came to based on your comparison of the two definitions of insanity you reviewed.

Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

Discussion - Ethics and Diversity in the Courts

The legal system and field of psychology share many of the same ethical principles and guidelines. That being said, psychological ethics can sometimes be foreign or even misconstrued with ethical principles used by professionals who work in the courts.

It is helpful to keep in mind that as a forensic psychology professional working in the courts, you are taking the tools of your trade and playing in someone else's "sandbox." That is, you have to adhere to your profession's codes and guidelines while also adhering to those of the court system.

In this Discussion, you focus on the application of forensic psychology ethics to the court system. Also, you examine ethical issues of diversity and their impact on forensic psychology in the courts.

To prepare for this Discussion:
 
• Review Chapter 4 of your course text " Psychological Evaluations for the Courts." Pay particular attention to the ethical considerations forensic psychology professionals must consider when working with the courts. Also, think about ethical issues that might impact forensic psychology in the courts.
 
• Review the American Psychological Association's " Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct," and think about the ethical codes of conduct and how they relate to psychology in the courts. Consider how ethical codes of conduct and principles related to diversity impact forensic psychology in the courts.
 
• Review the "Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists" from the Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists. Consider the specialty guidelines for forensic psychology professionals and how they might impact psychology in the courts.
 
• Review the course media, "Chapter 4," paying particular attention to the tips and considerations for ethical and legal testimony.

• Select two ethical issues that impact forensic psychology in the courts. At least one issue must be related to diversity.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief description of the two ethical issues you selected (one issue being related to diversity). Be specific and provide examples. Then explain how and why these issues impact forensic psychology in the courts.