Discussion 1 : Issues and Considerations Related to Forensic Psychology Consultation

The term consultation is vague and can apply to a wide array of activities. Yet, in focusing specifically on the legal system and the field of forensic psychology, the more express term forensic psychology consultation is often used to define the consultation that occurs within and between these two fields. The forensic psychology professional often undertakes these consultation activities, acting in the role of forensic psychology consultant.

And as with any other role that the forensic psychology professional may play, the consultant role has practical, ethical, and legal obligations that must be taken into account.

From consulting on police interrogations to employee assistance work with law enforcement personnel, the practical, legal, and ethical issues a forensic psychology consultant may face can be quite varied and always must be addressed.

In this Discussion, you examine the practical, ethical, and legal issues and considerations that must be taken in to account when in the role of a forensic psychology consultant.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the assigned pages of Chapters 4 and 13 in your course text Psychological Evaluations for the Courts, and focus on the various issues and considerations related to forensic psychology consultation.

• Review the article "Police-Induced Confessions: Risk Factors and Recommendations." Consider the ethical and legal issues related to forensic psychology consultation.

• Review the course media, "Chapter 4," and focus on issues regarding consultation. Think about how to address questions related to consultation in testimony.

• Select one practical, one ethical, and one legal issue or consideration related to forensic psychology consultation. Then think about why each is an important issue or consideration to address.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a brief description of each issue or consideration (practical, ethical, and legal) related to forensic psychology consultation that you selected. Then explain why each is an issue or consideration and important to address. Be specific and provide examples.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Discussion 2 -Challenges of Forensic Psychology Consultation

Some theorists suggest that the principles of psychology can be applied to any situation that includes human behavior. This is a broad perspective and implies that there are a wide variety of opportunities available for psychological consultation. Consultation related to forensic psychology is only slightly less varied.

Forensic psychology consultation can range from involvement in training and management issues, to program consultation, to consultation in risk management for workplace violence.

Each area of forensic psychology consultation brings with it an array of challenges, some of which are common across specific types of consultation and some of which are unique to a particular type. In this Discussion, you analyze possible areas of consultation for a forensic psychology professional, as well as the challenges related to each.

To prepare for this Discussion:
• Review the assigned pages of Chapters 5, 13, and 14 in your course text Psychological Evaluations for the Courts. Pay particular attention to the different areas of forensic psychology consultation within the courts.

• Review the article "Forensic Psychology Consultation in Criminal Cases," thinking about areas in which you might like to consult within forensic psychology.

• Review the article "Misidentification: The Caprices of Eyewitness Testimony in Criminal Cases," focusing on the challenges of forensic consultation related to eyewitness testimony.

• Select two areas within forensic psychology in which you might like to consult.

• Think about the challenges related to each of the two areas of forensic psychology consultation you selected and how you might address these challenges.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a description of each of the areas of forensic psychology consultation that you selected.

Then explain why you selected each. Finally, explain at least one challenge related to each area of forensic psychology consultation you selected and how you might address each one.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.