Legal psychology, also known as forensic psychology, is an area of scientific inquiry that applies psychological knowledge and research to the field of law. Legal psychology focuses on understanding how psychological principles and theories can be applied to legal issues such as: eyewitness testimony, jury decisions, criminal profiling, sentencing, child custody, and legal representation. Legal psychology also explores the psychological effects of the legal process on victims, witnesses, and criminal suspects.
The field of legal psychology is closely related to psychology, law, and criminology. It draws on a variety of psychological theories and research to provide a better understanding of the legal system. This knowledge is then used to inform legal decision-making, such as in criminal sentencing or the formulation of legal policies.
Legal psychologists are highly trained professionals who are equipped to analyze psychological evidence and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. They often work with attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals to ensure that psychological principles are accurately applied in legal cases.
Legal psychology is a relatively new field, but it has grown rapidly in recent years as its importance in the legal system has become increasingly recognized. The field has seen a surge of research in recent years, particularly in areas such as jury decision-making, eyewitness identification, and child custody evaluations.
If you are interested in learning more about legal psychology, there are a number of scientific journal articles available for further reading. Some of these include:
-Granhag, P. A., Strömwall, L. A., & Hartwig, M. (2004). The psychology of evidence and trial procedures. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 10(3), 355-385.
-Kassin, S. M., Sommers, S. R., & Reddy, M. (2010). Psychology in the court-room. Annual Review of Psychology, 61, 425-453.
-Meissner, C. A., & Kassin, S. M. (2002). On the “General Acceptance” of eyewitness testimony research: A new survey of the experts. American Psychologist, 57(5), 1047-1053.
-Saks, M. J., & Koehler, J. J. (2005). The coming revolution in eyewitness evidence. American Psychologist, 60(9), 867-874.
-Kassin, S. M., & Gudjonsson, G. H. (2004). The psychology of confessions: A review of the literature and issues. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 5(2), 33-67.
-Saks, M. J., & Koehler, J. J. (2007). The psychology of evidence and trial procedure. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 3, 89-117.
These articles are just a few examples of the many excellent resources available on legal psychology and its applications in the legal system. For more information, consult your local library or search online for books and articles on legal psychology.