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The legal determination of a defendant's mental capability to understand the charges and participate in their own defense. It's crucial for fair legal proceedings in forensic psychology.

A legal defense asserting that a defendant was unable to distinguish right from wrong or could not control their actions due to a mental disorder at the time of the offense. It is a complex intersection of law and forensic psychology.

A legal standard for insanity that requires the defendant to either not understand what they were doing or not understand that it was wrong due to a mental disorder. It's one of the oldest and most widely used insanity defense standards in forensic psychology.

The process of identifying personality traits, behavioral tendencies, geographic location, and demographic or biographic descriptors of an offender based on characteristics of the crime. A tool used in forensic psychology to narrow down suspect lists.

Otherwise known as a lie detector test, it's an instrument that measures and records several physiological indices such as blood pressure, pulse, and skin conductivity while the subject is asked questions. Its reliability is often debated in forensic psychology.

A person with specialized knowledge or expertise who is called to testify in legal proceedings. In forensic psychology, they often provide insight on mental health issues related to the case.

Latin for 'friend of the court', it refers to someone who is not a party to a case who assists a court by offering information or expertise. Forensic psychologists can serve as an amicus curiae in legal cases involving psychological elements.

The intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms, motivated by external incentives. It is a concept forensic psychologists must assess when evaluating the credibility of a subject's symptoms.

The study of victims and the patterns of how they are victimized, including the psychological effects on victims. It is a significant area of study in forensic psychology that impacts the treatment and understanding of victim behavior.

An investigative process that seeks to reconstruct the psychological state of an individual prior to their death, often used to determine their state of mind in cases of ambiguous or disputed death. It is relevant in forensic psychology for understanding the circumstances surrounding a death.

The process of determining an individual's potential for future harmful behavior, including violence. Forensic psychology utilizes risk assessments for decisions about incarceration, parole, and treatment.

The account a bystander or victim gives in the courtroom, detailing what that person observed that occurred during the specific incident under investigation. It's a critical area of study in forensic psychology due to the potential unreliability and influence of memory.

A confession to a crime that the confessor did not commit. Forensic psychologists are interested in the psychological factors that can lead to false confessions, such as coercion or suggestibility.

Circumstances that may decrease the severity of a sentence, such as lack of previous criminal record or showing remorse. Forensic psychologists may assess these factors to help the court determine an appropriate sentence.

Circumstances that may increase the severity of a sentence, such as a history of violent behavior or committing a crime in a particularly cruel manner. In forensic psychology, evaluating these factors is important for sentencing recommendations.

An assessment of an employee's psychological ability to perform their job safely and effectively. Forensic psychologists may conduct these evaluations in legal cases involving workplace safety or discrimination.

A system of criminal justice which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large. Forensic psychology contributes to restorative justice by facilitating offender rehabilitation and victim healing.

A comprehensive evaluation of an individual within a legal context, often incorporating psychological testing and clinical interviews. Forensic assessments are used to inform legal decisions such as competency and criminal responsibility.

Illegal or antisocial behavior carried out by a minor. Forensic psychology examines the causes, interventions, and legal aspects of juvenile delinquency to better understand and rehabilitate young offenders.

The evaluation of the risk an individual poses for committing further sex offenses. Tools and methods from forensic psychology are essential for these assessments which influence sentencing, treatment, and parole decisions.

A verdict stating that a defendant is not guilty of a crime due to their mental state at the time of the crime. Forensic psychologists often evaluate defendants to determine if the NGRI plea is applicable.

The determination of a defendant's mental state at the time of the crime, assessing whether they had the capacity to understand the wrongfulness of their actions. Forensic psychologists play a crucial role in assessing criminal responsibility.

A partial defense that argues a defendant, due to mental impairment, had a reduced ability to understand the nature of the crime or conform conduct to the law. Forensic psychologists may assess whether diminished capacity is applicable in a legal case.

The legal process by which individuals with severe mental illness can be mandated to receive treatment, sometimes in a secure hospital setting. Forensic psychologists are often involved in assessing the necessity for civil commitment.

A subspecialty within forensic psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior in a legal context. It informs on issues such as competency, responsibility, and the effects of brain injury on behavior.

The use of standardized instruments to evaluate the potential for future offending or harmful behavior. It's a critical part of forensic psychology practice related to risk management and preventive detention.

A legal obligation to breach confidentiality to protect identifiable individuals from harm, stemming from the Tarasoff case. Forensic psychologists must be aware of this duty when foreseeing a client's potential for violence towards a specific individual.

A process in which a forensic psychologist assesses the family dynamics and parenting capacities to provide recommendations regarding custody and visitation rights. It's developed to assist courts in making decisions that serve the best interest of the child.

A specialized evaluation of the likelihood that an individual will commit homicide. Forensic psychologists use a variety of tools and factors in their evaluations to prevent future violence.

A psychological condition resulting from serious, long-term abuse, often cited in cases where a battered woman is charged with the homicide of her abuser. Forensic psychology examines the validity and implications of this syndrome in legal defenses.

The use of hypnosis in a forensic setting, often to recover memories related to a crime. The application and reliability of forensic hypnosis are topics of debate within forensic psychology.

An individual who commits a series of murders, often with no apparent motive and typically following a characteristic, predictable behavior pattern. Forensic psychologists may analyze the behavior patterns and psychopathology of serial killers.

Information about the characteristics of a person who is likely to commit a certain type of crime, used in criminal investigations. The creation and use of profile evidence is a key task of forensic psychologists in assisting with criminal cases.

A diagnostic tool used to rate a person's psychopathic or antisocial tendencies, often utilized in forensic psychology to assess the risk of offending and guide treatment and management decisions.