actuarial prediction methods
An approach to predicting dangerousness in which assessors predict dangerousness according to a statistical or actuarial formula compiled from a comparison of an individual’s characteristics with known correlations to future dangerousness; also known as statistical prediction methods
American Psychological Association Division 41, the American Psychology-Law Society
A division of the American Psychological Association devoted to issues related to forensic psychology
child custody evaluations
Evaluations conducted by forensic psychologists for the purpose of providing recommendations for child custody
civil commitment
A process by which a person is involuntarily hospitalized by civil authorities for the welfare of the person and others
clinical prediction methods
An approach to predicting dangerousness in which assessors utilize psychological tests, clinical interviews, clinical experience, and their personal judgments
competent to stand trial
A required condition of the defendant in the U.S. legal system for which forensic psychologists often conduct assessments
Daubert standards
In forensic psychology, current standards for admissibility of the testimony of expert witnesses
expert witness
In forensic psychology, a clinical psychologist or other mental health professional who provides expert testimony to the court about mental health issues
fitness-for-duty evaluations
Psychological evaluations conducted by forensic psychologists, often for law enforcement agencies, to assess the extent to which current employees remain fit for duty after extremely stressful or traumatic experiences or in the midst of psychological problems
forensic psychology
The application of psychological methods and principles within the legal system
functional evaluation
An approach to competency-to-stand-trial evaluations based on the idea that competency to stand trial depends on the cognitive and psychological demands of that particular case
guardian ad litem
In child custody evaluations, a neutral party (often an attorney unaffiliated with either parent) appointed to protect the rights of the child
guilty but mentally ill
In the U.S. legal system, a relatively new trial outcome in some states that constitutes a middle ground between full criminal responsibility and a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity
M’Naghten test
The first legal standard for the insanity defense in the history of the American legal system; based on a legal standard from England
not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI)
In the U.S. legal system, a possible finding whereby an individual was unable to control his or her criminal actions due to a mental disorder at the time of the offense and is therefore not held responsible for the crime
predicting dangerousness
The practice whereby a forensic psychologist assesses the likelihood that an individual will behave violently or dangerously in the future
preemployment evaluations
A psychological evaluation conducted by forensic psychologists, often for law enforcement agencies, to assess the extent to which the candidate has any psychological problems, cognitive limitations, or personality characteristics that might interfere with the duties of the job
statistical prediction methods
An approach to predicting dangerousness in which dangerousness is predicted according to a statistical or actuarial formula compiled by comparing an individual’s characteristics with known relationships to future dangerousness; also known as actuarial prediction methods
voir dire
