PSY 300 Chapter Notes -Forensic Psychiatry, Mental Health Law
27 Jan 2013
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Document Summary
Week 1 - an introduction to forensic psychology. Forensic psychology is a field of psychology that deals with all aspects of human behaviour as it relates to the law or legal system. Experts do not agree on whether forensic psychology should be narrowly or broadly defined. A narrow definition would focus on certain aspects while ignoring other important aspects. Many leading psychologists prefer to define it narrowly to include the primarily clinical aspects of forensic assessment, treatment and consultation. The only individuals who should call themselves forensic psychologists are those individuals engaged in clinical practice (i. e. assessing, treating or consulting) within the legal system. Any psychologist who spends all of their time conducting forensics-related research would technically not fit under this definition. Textbook applied a broad definition with less restrictions. Individuals who call themselves forensic psychologists are always interested in issues that arise between psychology and the law.
