PSY 300 Lecture Notes - Amicus Curiae, Exclusionary Rule, Lie Detection
Document Summary
Our lives are heavily influenced by the law. Psychologists answer specific legal questions, often as an expert witness. Psychologists research specific aspects of the legal system. Free recall most accurate children susceptible to leading questions. First reality experiment to study the role of emotional arousal on eyewitnesses. He published his first book on psych & law urged lawyers to consider: eyewitnesses, suggestibility, lie detection, false confessions. A landmark ruling that segregated schools are unconstitutional. 32 psychologists submitted a brief to the court on the harmful effects of segregation. The court refers to the brief in a footnote, but it is the beginning of a movement. Jenkins v. united states (1962) - the court rules that psychologists are qualified to testify about mental illness. The 1970s: the emergence of specialized journals, professional organizations. 2001: apa recognizes forensic psychology as a specialization in psychology. Psychologists now contribute amicus curiae briefs in many important cases that change the law.
