For many of you visiting
this website you may not know the official definition of
forensic psychology. Since Dr. Ebert specializes in forensic
psychology it is relevant to know the various definitions as
well as some of Dr. Ebert’s unique ideas about the field.
Forensic Psychology, according to the American Board of
Forensic Psychology is the application of the science and
profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to
law and the legal system. The word "forensic" comes from the
Latin word "forensis," meaning "of the forum," where the law
courts of ancient Rome were held. Today forensic refers to
the application of scientific principles and practices to
the adversary process where specially knowledgeable
scientists play a role. One example of this is in a
situation in which a crime is committed and the defendant
pleads not guilty by reason of insanity. This type of case
is squarely in the domain of forensic psychology. A doctoral
level psychologist might evaluate the defendant using a
specific methodology to determine the person’s mental state
at the time of the alleged offense. After a psychological
evaluation is completed the psychologist often prepares a
report that is sent to the Court, the prosecutor and the
defense counsel. Thereafter, the report writer may testify
in Court at the trial.
Forensic Psychology is a very wide field with some forensic
experts doing extensive research while others are assisting
clients directly. As Alan Goldstein, Ph.D. pointed out it is
a recognized field as part of the American Board of
Professional Psychology. There is a separate set of ethical
guidelines published in 1991 and is currently in the process
of change. In this document forensic psychology is a field
that covers all forms of professional conduct in which the
professional provides a wide variety of expert assistance to
the courts or in some way brings the research, theory and
practice of behavioral science to the judicial system. An
understanding of this is important because there is a well
defined corpus of knowledge in forensic psychology and/or
forensic psychiatry that is distinctly different than any
other field of mental health practice. Forensic
psychologists study statutes, regulations, legal treatises,
case law, law review articles and other relevant areas of
legal knowledge along with specialized domains of
psychological science.
DR. EBERT’S SPECIAL
INTERESTS:
Professional Ethics
The Merger of Ethics and
Law
Neuroscience
Chronic Pain and the Law
(add button to go to chronic pain paper)
Scientific Aspects of
Sex Offenders
Physics
The Relationship of
Physics to Psychology
Statistics
Constitutional Law
Health Law
Mental Health Law
Due Process in
Administrative Proceedings
Psychopathology of
Judges
Veterans Issues
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