Criminal Justice Profession within the Court System

Crime is normally a major challenge in most of the areas especially those that are densely population. Although we possess the desire to live in the world that does not exhibit crime activities in a crime free society, the idea is most probably not going to attain its maturity. The punishment that criminals receive as well as deterring the criminal activities is the best applicable option in the attempts to protect the ordinary citizen from these criminals. Forensic psychology normally has a fundamental role in the punishing as well as deterring the criminals from the commission of these criminal activities (Varela, & Conroy, 2012).  The term forensic is normally about the application of scientific methods in investigating crimes. Forensic psychology thus falls under the description of the merger between psychology and law. The field of forensic psychology normally tasked with the portentous responsibility of attempting to establish why certain individuals commit crimes. Additionally they should establish the type of crime they are most likely going to commit as well as the means to apply in preventing them from committing these crimes (Miller, 2013).

The criminal justice profession used as the basis of the research paper is going to be the role of the forensic psychologist within the court system. Forensic psychology entails the formal intersection that takes place between the scientific field of psychology and the criminal justice system. It is the assessment of the relationship that is prevalent in law and psychology and normally covers a wide assortment of functions within the criminal justice sector. The study of forensic psychology normally entails the comprehension through the application of the regular assessment of the CJS in diverse jurisdictions. The psychological examination of law normally prepares people for the various roles they are to play in the criminal justice system (Robertson, 2012).  Additionally the objectives of the education intertwine the careers with the CJS system. Psychologies normally operate in three areas of the CJS, which include the correction department, law enforcement as well as the court system. Each of three sections normally entails dissimilar factions of the legal system, diverse responsibilities with the offender contact as well as different rationales behind the contact with the offender. The forensic psychologists study not only the offenders but also the law enforcement personnel, victims, jurors, correctional officers as well as the parole officers in the legal system (Julian et al., 2011).

The forensic psychology additionally plays a significant role in the assessment of the competency of an individual to stand trial by offering their advice about the ability of the convicted individual to stand trial. The fact that the trial process can be arduous as well as emotionally draining for the mentally ill individuals implies that it is imperative that to carry out evaluations assessing the ability of the individual to stand trial. They additionally carry out their responsibilities in attempting to map the prediction of violence as well as the assessment of risk (Jifkins, 2010). The psychologists assess the convicted individual to assess their violent tendencies that could be making them a risk to themselves and other individuals in their vicinity. Thus, they design the placement of the individuals depending on their mental state to promote safety for all individuals and thus guaranteeing that the proposed environment exhibits the most minimal risk. They carry out an assessment of children custody involved in divorce by evaluating the involved couple as well as the children to ensure that they provide the best possible recommendation regarding the custody (Peterson, Hickman, Strom, & Johnson, 2013).

Part Two

Hanna, Crothers, C., & Henderson, E. (2012). Interviewing Child Witnesses in New Zealand's Criminal Justice System: Is Cross-Examination Fair?. Psychiatry, Psychology & Law, 19(4), 530-546. doi:10.1080/13218719.2011.615813

The article is an assessment of the manner in which the responses that children normally give in court are reliable. Thus, the manner in which the questioning of the children takes place has an impact on the accuracy of their responses. The article additionally argues that the previous models of questioning the children in court were greatly flawed and that they contradicted the best practice. The study, in this case, assessed 18 children witnessed by forensic psychologists, prosecutors, and the defense lawyers during a trial. The outcomes of the research offered the indication that the defense lawyers, as well as the prosecutor, did not apply the best methods of questioning the children. Conversely, the responses generated by the forensic psychologists were able to generate more resourceful answers.

Varela, J. G., & Conroy, M. A. (2012). The Professional Competencies in Forensic Psychology. Professional Psychology: Research & Practice, 43(5), 410-421. doi:10.1037/a0026776

According to this article, the field of forensic psychology has undergone major developments in the past three decades, with their influencing expanding into both the civil as well as the criminal factions. Additionally the work of the forensic psychologists is evident in all the spheres that normally relate to the justice system encompassing the correctional agencies as well as the law enforcement. The growth has additionally resulted in the development of taxonomy of an assortment of competencies that are necessary to promote the operations of psychologists in the forensic arena. The article argues that in spite of the increase in the specialization, there are the general competencies that are common to all the practitioners in the field of forensic psychology. Additionally there are the specialty competencies that normally cut across the diverse forensic psychology subspecialties as well as those that are necessary for the practicing of forensic work.

Julian, R. D., Kelty, S. F., Roux, C., Woodman, P., Robertson, J., Davey, A., & ... White, R. (2011). What is the utility of forensic science? A survey of the effectiveness of forensic science in the Australian criminal justice system project. Australian Journal Of Forensic Sciences, 43(4), 217-229. doi:10.1080/00450618.2011.610820

The authors believe that the field of forensic science is progressively being relied on by the operators of law enforcement invading them to solve the crime and at the same time get a conviction for the crimes. The judiciary, on the other hand, relies on the services of the forensic science personnel tip assists the in the adjudication of the high value and delicate criminal cases.  According to the article, most of the research in this area normally focuses on the technology as well as the science rather than the assessment of individuals can utilize forensic knowledge to produce the best justice results. The current project, on the other hand, focuses its study on assessment of the effectiveness of the application of the forensic science in the investigations of the police as well as trails in courts. Its objective is in the identification of the manner in which the use of forensic science can add value to the investigations of the police, trials in court as well as the outcomes of the justice systems.

Miller, L. (2013). Psychological assessments in the criminal justice system: Basic principles and best practices. Aggression & Violent Behavior, 18(1), 83-91.

The article by Miller assesses the various responsibilities that the forensic examiners normally carry out for the court as well as the other agencies of the criminal justice. In the article, Miller talks of the frequency with which the forensic psychologists are normally requested to carry out evaluations of competency to stand trial, prediction of future risk as well as the insanity defense. The psychological evaluations that the courts normally require encompass clinical examinations of defendants, review of records, psychological testing, interviewing collaterals and preparations of written reports. In addition, the forensic psychologies could be required to testify in the court as specialists’ witnesses. The forensic examiner needs to implement a meticulous assessment of every individual case and not to rely solely on the absence, presence as well as severity of the mental condition in making their legal determination.

Canter, D., & Youngs, D. (2012). Narratives of criminal action and forensic psychology. Legal & Criminological Psychology,17(2), 262-275.

The article by young and Canter raises issues relating to the personal narratives of the offenders along with their links to self-identity and concepts. According to the article, the comments by the offenders normally relate to their personal life stories instead of the narratives that relate to the actual crime focused in the study. The clarification of the varying focus assists in rallying most of the concerns as well as addressing the alternative narrative approached utilizing the field of forensic psychology. The methods applied in the study focused on the accounts of offenders about certain crimes and allowing the development of a pro forma using the narrative role questionnaires (NRQ). These questionnaires normally deal with the responsibility and individuals imagines that they played in the commission of the crime. The roles, in this case, will be acting as the summary of the criminal offense narrative. The results of the NRQ components demonstrate that the narratives are an encapsulation of the numerous psychological processes that entail self-concept, thinking styles as well as the other psychological processes.

Peterson, J. L., Hickman, M. J., Strom, K. J., & Johnson, D. J. (2013). The Impact of Forensic Testimony on Criminal Justice Case Processing Effect of Forensic Evidence on Criminal Justice Case Processing. Journal Of Forensic Sciences (Wiley-Blackwell), 58(2), S78-S90. doi:10.1111/1556-4029.12020

The study by Peterson was an examination of functions, as well as the impact of that forensic evidence normally, has on the case processing results in the sample made of 4,225 criminal cases in various U.S jurisdictions. The application of regression analysis offers the indication that forensic evidence had a consistent as well as robust responsibility in decisions relating to the processing of cases. Also, the influence that the forensic evidence possesses is normally times as well as examination dependent. In this case, the collection of the crime scene evidence was normally predictive of the arrest while the examination of the evidence realized on the prediction of referral charges. Additionally it was dependent on the likelihood of the filing of charges, conviction at the trial as well as the length of the sentence. The research realized that the forensic evidence had an impact on all the decisions of the outcome of the case other than the issues dealing with the arrangements of the guilty plea.

Angeles, A. G. (2013). Wrongful Punishment and the Case for Forensic Evidence in the Philippine Criminal Justice System.Ateneo Law Journal, 57(4), 1155-1174.

In his article, Angeles examines the significant role that the forensic evidence normally has in the prevention of wrongful conviction in the criminal justice system. According to the article, forensic evidence such as the utilization of the DNA tests, ballistics as well as the analysis of fingerprints is vital tools in the establishment of proof that is beyond the reasonable doubt. The forensic evidence is very instrumental according to the write in ensuring that only the guilty criminals face conviction in the criminal cases. The additional issues that the author addresses in the article include the significance of the forensic evidence in the prevention of wrongful convictions, its importance in judicial decision making as well as in inference networks.

Robertson, J. (2012). Forensic science, an enabler or else a dis-enabler for criminal investigation?. Australian Journal Of Forensic Sciences, 44(1), 83-91. doi:10.1080/00450618.2011.595736

The article argues that the current criminal justice environment does not have any areas that the forensic psychology is not applicable and contribute to the development of the various cases. The question that the author articulates is on whether the utilization of the forensic in this environment is appropriate. Some of the media attributes have been blaming the application of forensic science to cause delays in the dispensation of justice. The utilization of DNA takes the consideration of being the principal attribute that sets the difference in these cases and that the science requires. The article addresses the issues that relate to the application of the science in terms of the practice and the consequent practice. The issues that the article includes encompass the effectiveness of the forensic psychology as well as its efficiency in supporting the criminal investigations. The articles further address the prevalent issues in the application of forensic psychology along with offering suggestions for the application the science in the investigations.

Part 3

The term forensic psychology is normally about the matters that normally pertain to the court or the law in the context of both the civil as well as criminal issues. The subject of forensic sciences encompasses the application of scientific knowledge in the attempt to resolve legal problems. In the contemporary world, approximately all the branches of natural as well as social sciences are making use of the application. The psychology that is the science of behavior is normally not an exception. It is the field of psychology that normally deals with all the aspects of human behavior in terms of how this behavior normally relates to the legal system or the law (Neal & Brodsky, 2014).

The research findings that the psychologists provide to CJS have an impact on all the spheres of the system with the responsibility coming with the necessity of following an ethical guideline. The psychologists normally play a very significant role in the operations of the law endorsement agencies. They normally submit performance results assessment as well as their psychological reports resulting to the enforcement officers. They normally conduct an assessment of the police candidates, hostage negotiations, and assessment of the police officer risk as well as counseling of the police officers. In the correctional departments, the psychologist takes part in the assessment of the mental health requirements for the offenders. Additionally they undertake the assessment of the various departments they operate under including intervening in assessing the violent and suicidal individuals (Tolou-Shams, 2010). The psychologists are responsible for implementing crisis intervention in addition to staff evaluations and carrying out therapies for the inmates. In the courts, the forensic psychologist participates in the assessment of the mental conditions of the criminal in the cases of insanity plea. It follows that in the event that the senses that the criminal could be facing is harsh, many of them normally make attempts directed at falsifying and exaggerating their mental illness hoping for a lenient sentencing. The forensic psychologists evaluate the individual in and determine whether the individual is truly suffering from a model of mental problem inhibiting their judgment of what is right and wrong (Birgden & Perlin, 2009).

The forensic psychologist in the criminal justice normally applies their psychological knowledge, skill as well as theory in the assessment as well as treatment of the individuals mentally challenged. Additionally they come to assess as well as assist those individuals, whose behavior may have led or could lead to them, becoming offenders. The psychological knowledge additionally applied ion the comprehension as well as the functioning of the criminal justice systems in addition to them carrying research in the relevant fields of the criminal justice. The principal role that the forensic psychologists play in the criminal justices is in the prediction, assessment as well as the management of risk (Völlm, 2014). The forensic psychologists normally operate in the civil, criminal, civil as well as family legal contexts, offering services to the litigants, victims, perpetrators as well as the personnel of the community and governments organization. The contexts in which they normally work in the mental health, family, child youth, police as well as research along with the policy contexts. They utilize their skills in the provision of an assortment of services that encompass the development of psychological formulations as well as diagnoses and assessments, designing of the psychological programs as well as interventions (Varela & Conroy, 2012).

Psychologists are normally the individuals who can study and interpret the behavior of human beings. The forensic psychologists normally work with the criminals via the analyzes of their actions with the objective of determining their mental profile as well as thought processes that normally drive their actions. Their work in most cases assists during the criminal investigation as well as the tracking of the serial killers (Robertson, 2012).

Education and Training

All the forensic psychologists normally require a minimum of a master’s degree and in other cases a doctoral degree to be able to offer their services. Most of the forensic psychologists have doctoral degrees in addition to practical experience in clinical forensic psychology. The experience normally encompasses clinical work in one of the law enforcements clinical labs. The rationale for the doctoral degree is about the emphasis on the necessary research that aids in preparing the individual for the career in researching the behavior as well as actions of the criminals. It is imperative that these forensic psychologists additionally hold their state clinical psychology licenses (Varela & Conroy, 2012).

Science Proficiency

In matters relating to their practice, forensic psychologists are normally scientific professionals. They normally practice relies on statistical analyzed with the objective of matching the evidence to the theories of why individuals normally commit crimes. Most of the profiling implemented in the forensic labs in most cases relies on the fundamental models of standard behavior. In this case, the psychologists’ tries to predict the likely behavior of the criminal using the results of the research as well as other studies suggest being the most probable course of action. As a coincidence with their scientific training, it is imperative that the forensic psychologists possess critical thinking abilities to be in a position to differentiate between the facts from opinions as well as speculations (Robertson, 2012).

Communication Skills

The ability to interpret the motives that the criminals have been is an irrelevant attribute if the forensic psychology does not have the ability to communicate their findings to the other stakeholders effectively. In is imperative that the forensic psychologists effectively communicate their findings with the law enforcement officials as well as the courts. The psychologists normally work in conjunction with the investigators via the building of the criminal profiles in addition to explaining the possible motives and behavior of these criminals. The written communication is additionally a critical element in the creation of the profiles that apply to the investigations as well as reports (Neal & Brodsky, 2014).

The Legal Knowledge

The knowledge of legal issues is an additional vital attribute that the forensic psychologists need to possess in their operations as they normally serve as a section of the law enforcement process. Possession of a minor in law or the possession of any other training in law is an excellent addition to the psychology degree. Mental health law along with the criminal case expertise is normally very essential in the practice of forensic psychology. Additionally, an individual who is practicing forensic psychology requires an excellent understanding of the procedures applied in the courtroom. The possessions of the courtroom procedures, in this case, make the forensic psychologist appear to be professional, competent as well as a dependable individual during the criminal cases (Jifkins, 2010).

The forensic psychologist interacts with an assortment of another profession that operates within the court system. In the case of the correctional officials, the forensic psychologist assists the correctional official by working directly with these offenders that are under the official. The psychologists assist the correctional officials by diagnosing, profiling as well as developing treatment plans for these offenders that have convicted of serious crimes. Additionally the psychologists interview the offender as well as the family members to establish the factors that predispose the criminal tendencies and consequently develop adequate treatment plans. The main role that the forensic psychologist will play in their interaction with the correctional official is in designing treatment plans that will assist in the rehabilitation of these offenders, adding them transition back to the community (Völlm, 2014).

The interaction between the forensic psychologists and the crime scene investigator, the psychologist, will assist the investigator by offering the profile of the perpetrator using the attributes that are prevalent at the crime scene. The psychologist normally assists the investigator narrow down the list of the possible suspects through the utilization of the psychological tools as well as principles. Through the provision of the nature and characteristics of the offender, the crime scene investigator has the best possible basis to apply in looking for the criminals. Also, the profile that the forensic psychologists’ assists the investigator develops will be instrumental in predicting the future criminal acts that the criminal could commit and thus increasing the possibility of arresting the criminal (Peterson, et al., 2013).

The interaction of the forensic psychologists and the probation officers revolves around assisting the probation officers through the assessment of the risk that the offenders on probation pose to themselves as well as to others. The assessment of the risks of these offenders is instrumental in assisting these professionals give the right advice to the court on whether to deny or give these offenders a probation sentence. Examining the offenders during their meeting with the probation officers as well as assessing the family members will be a significant attribute that informs the status of the offender (Davis, 2008). Through these meetings, the psychologists will be able to identify the stressors that caused the offender to commit the crime as well as the proneness of the offender committing more crimes. Thus, trough their assistance, the probation officer will be able to provide a correct advice to the court in terms of deciding whether to deny the offender a probation period. Additionally the probation officer will have an excellent idea of the best treatment program suiting the offender in the context of dealing their urges to commit crimes (Córcoles, Garcia, & Saiz, 2008). 

The interaction of the forensic psychologists with the Judges as well as magistrates revolves around them assisting these court official make the best ruling about the cases that are before them. The judges, as well as magistrates normally, rely on the forensic psychologists to advise them on whether the defendants in the various cases are in a mental state that meets the obligatory legal standards. In this case, it is crucial that the judges do not allow an offender with a comprised mental state to take part in the legal proceedings but rather recommend them for the appropriate treatment programs (Angeles, 2013). The forensic psychologist determines whether an offender possesses the necessary degree of comprehending the proceedings in addition to assisting in his defense. Additionally through their expert witnesses, the psychologist offer advice relating to their clients and their proneness to commit the said criminal acts as well as mental capacity. Through the advice, the judge has a basis to rely upon ion when making their judgments. Additionally the assessment that the forensic psychologist conducts about the children custody cases assist the judges in making the ruling that are in the best interest of the children in question (Córcoles, Garcia, & Saiz, 2008). 

The ethical attribute that normally guide the work of the forensic psychologists includes:

·         The upholding of the rights as well as the dignity of other people whereby it is imperative that that the forensic examiners ensure that their work does not comprise their dignity of other people around them. They have to guarantee that the rights of other people such as safety upheld in their operations (Allan, 2010).

·         The services that forensic psychologists undertake should be under the responsibilities to the society, their clients as well as their profession. In this case, it is compelling that the forensic psychologist only acts in a manner that will enhance the realization of their agreement with their client and not for their interests. Their services should be to uphold the safety of their client as well as the society by assisting in the arresting of the criminals. Ensuring that their clients receive the best treatment possible should be their sole guidance as well as ensuring that they uphold the status of the profession (Allan, 2010).

·         Veracity in the context of ensuring they are truthful as well as honest at all times is an instrumental attribute that will promote the genuine and trust in their services. In this case, by ensuring that they cannot be compromised and that they are truthful to all the parties influenced by their advice will promote fairness as well as confidence and trust in their work (Angeles, 2013).

·         Fidelity as an additional issue encompasses the forensic psychologist guaranteeing the protection of their clients’ interest. In this case, the forensic psychologists should act to protect the interest of their clients irrespective of the pressure on them to act otherwise (Angeles, 2013).

·         Upholding justice by the practitioners in the field entails the assertion that the forensic psychologists should at all time be objective as well as fair in their practice. Thus they when called upon to give their advice in court, they should base their advice on their research study and not act to fair one side (Allan, 2010).

·         Beneficence and non-malfeasance on the other hand encompass the assertion that the forensic psychologists should only base their practice in doing what is good as well as ensuring they do not do any harm (Birgden & Perlin, 2009).

Conclusion

The criminal justice system is the most reliable organ in the state in ensuring that criminals face punishment and at the same time upholding the concept of fairness and justice. The achievements of these two attributes are tenable via the interaction of the organs that comprise the CJS. The ability of the players in these organs to act together offers the basis for the realization of safety in the community. In light of the various factors that predispose individual to commit criminal acts as well as the desire to treat and cure them of these argues has led to the adoption of forensic psychology in the CJS. The interaction of the CJS organs with the professionals in the field of forensic psychology has been able to generate advancement in the arrest of criminals as well as better judgments. Additionally, the prediction of the criminal tendencies in these criminals has made it possible to design the most effective treatment programs addressing the needs of these offenders.

References

Allan, A. (2010). The principles that underlie the 2007 Code. In A. Allan & A. W. Love (Eds.),Ethical practice in psychology. Reflections from the creators of the APS Code of Ethics (pp. 61-76). Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

Angeles, A. G. (2013). Wrongful Conviction and the Case for Forensic Evidence in the Philippine Criminal Justice System.Ateneo Law Journal, 57(4), 1155-1174.

Birgden, A., & Perlin, M. L. (2009). “Where the home in the valley meets the damp dirty prison”: A human rights perspective on therapeutic jurisprudence and the role of forensic psychologists in correctional settings. Aggression & Violent Behavior, 14(4), 256-263. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2009.04.002

Canter, D., & Youngs, D. (2012). Narratives of criminal action and forensic psychology. Legal & Criminological Psychology,17(2), 262-275. doi:10.1111/j.2044-8333.2012.02050.x

Córcoles, MA, Garcia, AV, & Saiz, JB (2008). Forensic Psychologist in the Task Force of juvenile justice. Proposed Intervention Protocol. Yearbook of Legal Psychology , 18, ​​45-60.

Davis, M. R. (2008b, May). Can forensic mental health assessment be objective? Paper presented at the ANZAPPL Autumn Symposium, Marysville, Australia.

Hanna, K., Davies, E., Crothers, C., & Henderson, E. (2012). Questioning Child Witnesses in New Zealand's Criminal Justice System: Is Cross-Examination Fair?. Psychiatry, Psychology & Law, 19(4), 530-546. doi:10.1080/13218719.2011.615813

Jifkins, J. (2010). Legal matters: Writing psychological reports for third parties. InPsych, 32(1), 26-27.

Julian, R. D., Kelty, S. F., Roux, C., Woodman, P., Robertson, J., Davey, A., & ... White, R. (2011). What is the value of forensic science? An overview of the effectiveness of forensic science in the Australian criminal justice system project. Australian Journal Of Forensic Sciences, 43(4), 217-229. doi:10.1080/00450618.2011.610820

Miller, L. (2013). Psychological evaluations in the criminal justice system: Basic principles and best practices. Aggression & Violent Behavior, 18(1), 83-91. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2012.10.005

Neal, T. S., & Brodsky, S. L. (2014). Occupational Socialization's Role in Forensic Psychologists' Objectivity. Journal Of Forensic Psychology Practice, 14(1), 24-44. doi:10.1080/15228932.2013.863054

Peterson, J. L., Hickman, M. J., Strom, K. J., & Johnson, D. J. (2013). Effect of Forensic Evidence on Criminal Justice Case Processing Effect of Forensic Evidence on Criminal Justice Case Processing. Journal Of Forensic Sciences (Wiley-Blackwell), 58(2), S78-S90. doi:10.1111/1556-4029.12020

Robertson, J. (2012). Forensic science, an enabler or dis-enabler for criminal investigation?. Australian Journal Of Forensic Sciences, 44(1), 83-91. doi:10.1080/00450618.2011.595736

Tolou-Shams, M. (2010). The role of the forensic psychologist in child mental health. (Cover story). Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 26(5), 1-7.

Varela, J. G., & Conroy, M. A. (2012). Professional Competencies in Forensic Psychology. Professional Psychology: Research & Practice, 43(5), 410-421. doi:10.1037/a0026776

Völlm, B. (2014). Case formulation in personality disordered offenders - A Delphi survey of professionals. Criminal Behaviour & Mental Health, 24(1), 60-80. doi:10.1002/cbm.1884

Sherry Roberts is the author of this paper. A senior editor at MeldaResearch.Com in graduate paper writing service if you need a similar paper you can place your order from custom research paper writing service.