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Forensic Psychology is the application of
the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law
and the legal system. The word "forensic" comes from the Latin word "forensis,"
meaning "of the forum," where the law courts of ancient Rome were held. Today
forensic refers to the application of scientific principles and practices to the
adversary process where specially knowledgeable scientists play a role.
The Practice of Forensic Psychology
Includes:
I.
Psychological evaluation and expert testimony regarding criminal forensic issues
such as:
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trial competency
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waiver of Miranda rights
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criminal responsibility
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death penalty mitigation
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battered woman syndrome
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domestic violence
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drug dependence
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sexual disorders
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II.
Testimony and evaluation regarding civil issues such as:
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personal injury
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child custody
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employment discrimination
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mental disability
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product liability
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professional malpractice
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civil commitment and guardianship
assessment
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treatment and consultation
regarding individuals with a high risk for aggressive behavior in the community,
in the workplace, in treatment settings and in correctional facilities.
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III.
Research, testimony and consultation on psychological issues impacting on the
legal
process, such as:
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eyewitness testimony
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jury selection
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children's testimony
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repressed memories and pretrial
publicity
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IV. Specialized treatment service to individuals involved
with the legal system, such as:
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Consultation to lawmakers about
public policy issues with psychological implications
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Consultation and training to law
enforcement
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criminal justice and correctional
systems
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Consultation and training to mental
health systems and practitioners on forensic issues
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Analysis of issues related to human
performance
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product liability and safety
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Court-appointed monitoring of
compliance with settlements in class-action suits affecting mental health or
criminal justice settings
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Mediation and conflict resolution
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Policy and program development in
the psychology-law arena
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Teaching, training and supervision
of graduate students, psychology, and psychiatry interns/ residents, and law
students
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V.
Forensic services to Businesses or Organizations, such as:
| Expert opinion/testimony on questions of a psychological nature |
| Assessing receptiveness and response to treatment of employees |
| Psychological testing and evaluation |
| Selection and placement of police officers, security, or military
personnel, or those with a security clearance. |
| Explaining the effects of psychological conditions and illness |
| Conducting critical incident debriefing, advising on CIS management, and
fitness for duty evaluations. |
| Consulting with managers to develop workplace safety and violence
debriefing procedures. |
| Conducting research on treatment effectiveness. |
Dr. Saunders has over 10 years experience as a
therapist and 7 years experience with the Department of Justice as a Clinical
Psychologist working with Federal inmates. He is an expert in the field of
treatment issues of forensic populations and offers a variety of services to
lawyers as well as other professionals in the legal system. He designed
the award winning "FREE" program which gained national recognition in the
Federal Prison System. He is able to assist you in most any Forensic
matter. Please contact him via email at psychologist3@yahoo.com or
telephone (352)365-2243. You can view his other contact information on the
"ABOUT US" page.
Links
Child
Custody and Divorce Resource Center
Some Interesting Articles
Helping Mentally Ill
Offenders
Helping Inmates
Cope with Prison Life
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