Forensic Psychology Essay Samples

More often than not, psychologists are required provide professional psychological expertise to the judicial system in order to help judges to understand all the facts of the case at hand. One of the areas of intersection is on the mental health aspect where psychologists assess and treat persons with mental disorders before such persons can face the trial process. Clinical forensic psychologists deal with persons portraying a number of mental health issues and problems within the context of civil or criminal arenas of the law (Wormith and Jones 605). They intervene when the accused person raises the issue insanity, inability to stand trial among others. Another area of intersection between criminal justice system and forensic psychology is where forensic psychologists are requested to participate in eyewitness identification and jury selection. They participate in these trial processes in order for them to provide professional psychological expertise required for efficient judicial system.
Popular television shows such as Profiler portray the intersection between psychology and law enforcement in a dramatic and sensationalistic fashion. In first three seasons, allay walker act as a forensic psychologist who works for a violent crimes task force for FBI. She is able to “see” through the eyes of other people, hence revealing what was in the criminals’ minds. In the show, allay walker is portrayed as possessing a unique gift and professional psychology expertise that enable her, together with other detectives, to solve very complex cases. Her role as a forensic psychologist, make the show to look very real though it was a fictional story. The intersection was also very evident in several trials such as Ted Kaczynski, Jeffrey Dahmer and Michael Mcdermott, as offered by forensic psychologists.

Work cited

Wormith, Stephen, and Jones, Christina M. Criminological and Forensic Psychology. In: British Journal of Psychology 105.4(2014):605.