Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is the area of psychology dealing with law and the legal system (the Latin word forensis means forum, the place where trials were conducted in ancient Rome).

Forensic psychologists may serve a number roles related to criminal and civil cases. For example, they may determine if a defendant was mentally competent or sane when he or she committed a crime and may be asked to provide expert testimony on these or a number of situations such as the competency of parents in child custody hearings or the mental strain placed upon a person after another committed a crime against him or her. They may also work with lawyers to help select members of the jury or advise on the sentencing of convicted criminals. Many forensic psychologists provide counseling services to individuals in prisons or juvenile detention facilities. A few highly trained forensic psychologists are also involved in the less common (though often portrayed on television and in movies) role of working alongside law enforcement officials to create psychological profiles of criminal suspects.

Qualifications
In order to become a forensic psychologists, individuals must obtain a graduate degree--usually doctoral--in forensic psychology or in clinical psychology accompanied by coursework and clinical experience in forensic psychology. They must then complete a one or two year (1500 hours) supervised internship and may further be required to pass an examination for state certification.

For more information, see the American Board of Forensic Psychology's Brochure.