Forensic (Psychological) Evaluation

Forensic Psychology applies to civil and criminal legal questions

Forensic Psychology involves the application of psychological knowledge and practices to legal questions in both the civil and criminal fields. A broader classification states that forensic psychology involves the application of all psychological areas of research to the legal field. While the American Psychological Association (APA) officially recognized forensic psychology as a specialty in 2001, Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists were revised in 2013 to include all subfields of psychology (e.g. social, clinical, experimental, counseling, neuropsychology) that commonly apply “the scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge of psychology to the law.”

In order to be able to communicate effectively with judges, attorneys, and/or other legal professionals, Forensic Psychology requires an understanding of fundamental legal principles, such as those regarding practices and standards used by legal professionals, expert witness testimony, competence, and insanity definitions and/or evaluations.