Forensic Psychology Terminology

In every field, there are terms that learning is a must. For instance, in the medical field doctors examine the patient's symptoms to make a diagnosis. Forensic psychology is divided into various sub branches and each has terms that experts use to derive their recommendations and judgement. Basically, psychology deals with human behavior and forensic psychology offers psychological opinions in typical arenas like courts.

Competency is a forensic psychology terminology that explains the mental condition of a defendant at the time of trial. If the defendant is found to be incompetent then the justice system will not punish him. There is a McNaughton rule that guides on insanity. A forensic psychologist should be able to explain whether a person was mentally stable when he committed the offense,provided with the necessary background information. This will assist in deciding whether to put punish or treat the defendant.

You cannot understand an event or person if you do not have some details. Criminal profiling is a forensic psychology terminology that ensures experts work closely with local police, federal agencies and fact finders to create psychological profiles of the defendants. This is important when the team wants to make the correct decision. This field allows eye witnesses to testify about sanity and competence.

There are other terms like Jury Consulting, which is a forensic psychology terminology that allows forensic experts to co-work with attorney generals in selecting jurors, analyzing the potential verdicts of juries and explaining actual trial verdict.  Mastering these terminologies is not optional if you want to succeed in this field. With lots of schooling and experience, you will be able to cope.