Discussion:
Forensic Psychology Practice: Roles in the Court System
The United States judicial system is composed of various elements. Its structure contains elements that are of both a federal and state nature. For instance, there are courts that fall under each of these categories that include trial courts at the state level, district courts at the federal level, and appeals and supreme courts at both levels. Furthermore, there are several types of adjudicative processes, such as criminal, civil, juvenile, and therapeutic. Also within the judicial system, there are many players, which include, but are not limited to, defense attorneys, prosecuting attorneys, judges, and, at times, a jury. Forensic psychologyin turn can play a role in any number of these elements within the judicial system-from the initial hearing of a criminal trial in a federal district court to a post-trial status hearing of a civil commitment case.
Select three elements of the court system you find interesting that interact in some way with forensic psychology. Then consider who would be the contributors to each element.
Think about the relationship between forensic psychology and each element of the court system that you selected.
Describe the three elements of the court system you selected and the individuals connected with each.
Then analyze and explain the relationship between forensic psychology and each element of the court system you selected.
Finally, explain why you selected each element (e.g., what about each element interests you).
Be specific and use the literature to justify your response.