PSY344H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Law
Document Summary
Forensic psychology: a field of psychology that deals with all aspects of human behaviour as it relates to the law or legal system. Note: experts don"t agree on what the definition to include. If a narrow definition is used than some parts of the field may be left out and it will focus on the application only. For example, the definition may include clinical data not experimental research (this approach is accepted by some leading psychologists). Otto and heilbrun (2002) - it was ultimately decided that the petition should define forensic psychology narrowly, to include primarily clinical aspects of forensic assessment, treatment, and consultation . Therefore, forensic psychologists = those engaged in clinical practice within the legal system. But the broad definition is not limited to the application but also focuses on research that is required to inform applied practice in the field of forensic psychology.
