Discussion:
Forensic Psychology Areas of Consultancy
There are many areas in which a forensic psychology professional can consult with the courts. Areas in which consultants provide valuable insight include, but are not limited to, battered woman's syndrome, eyewitness testimony, hostage negotiation, and interviewing or interrogation techniques. Although the verdict does not rest solely on these areas of consultation, all have been used by the courts to aid the trier of fact (judge or jury) in coming to a conclusion in a case. In this Discussion, you analyze consultation areas within the forensic psychology field that are of interest to you and from which the courts benefit.
Review the articles "Interviewing Suspects: Practice, Science, and Future Directions," "Battered Woman Syndrome," and "Jury Selection-Asking the Right Questions: A Way to Improve the Art of Jury Selection" to gain additional insight into these potential areas of consultation within forensic psychology in the courts.
Select two areas of consultation within forensic psychology that are of interest to you and in which you could become an expert. Think about the next steps involved in becoming an expert in each of the two areas you selected.
A description of the two areas of forensic psychology consultation that you selected and explain why you selected each of them. Then explain the process you would take to become an expert in each of these areas. Be specific and support your response with references to the literature.