Presentation
Criminal Psychology Poster
- Module
- Forensics psychology
- Institution
- AQA
A poster demonstrating Criminal Psychology
[Show more]
Content preview
PsychologyCrime
What is it:
The question of why people choose to commit crimes—often in the face of severe consequences—is
at the root of criminal psychology, a branch of study that focuses on the intentions and behaviours
of those who plan and carry out criminal acts. On the other hand, psychology itself has, over the
years, engendered significant changes in how legal experts think about the crime and the law, as
well as changes in how the mentally ill are treated by the criminal justice system.
Understanding Criminal Psychology
Criminal psychology does more than provide a glimpse into a criminal's psyche. It also plays a role in
how the law is applied. In the courtroom, legal practitioners require a grasp of defendants'
motivations and actions in order to render fair judgment. Forensic psychologists, as well as other
mental health professionals, are often called upon to help clinically evaluate the mental states of
people who break the law.
Psychology plays a role in police work as well. Criminal profilers—who aim to determine likely
suspects through a mix of crime-scene analysis, investigative psychology, and other behavioural
sciences—are often forensic psychologists or criminal anthropologists. Law enforcement agencies
often rely on these experts to get inside the head of a potential culprit by identifying the
perpetrator's likely personality type, lifestyle habits, and quirks.
How Psychology Influences the Law
Psychological and psychiatric findings have had a significant influence on the legal system,
particularly since the beginning of the 20th century. Among significant changes include the push
towards deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill, which coincided with the development of more
advanced psychiatric medications and a greater understanding of the causes and potential
treatments for mental disorders. In addition, the decriminalization of homosexuality in the U.S. was
likely significantly influenced by the growing psychological acceptance that homosexuality—and
more recently, being transgender—are not mental disorders.
In addition, legal professionals—including lawyers, police officers, and judges—now regularly consult
with psychologists to assess defendants’ state of mind and provide treatment if necessary. This
branch of psychology, known as forensic psychology, has grown exponentially in recent years.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Harry12344566. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £2.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
84866 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now