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Pursuing A Career In Forensic Psychology Essay

1764 Words8 Pages

Exploring the Pursuit of a Career in Forensic Psychology
Angela Twigg
ENG1010
Professor Potas
April 20, 2023

When pursuing a career in forensic psychology it is important to understand the laws and regulations governing it. Much of the work done by a forensic psychologist is centered around various parts of the justice system and so a knowledge of the law and how it applies to you as a forensic psychologist is imperative. The college courses and pathways required to obtain the degree needed to practice forensic psychology are more easily followed with the expansion that is happening and growing interest in the field. The ethical codes of conduct surrounding forensic psychology are also important to note when considering it …show more content…

In any social science career, it is essential to maintain a reputation of integrity in order to keep your license to practice and have a successful career. In addition to competency, the APA Ethics code also addresses ethical concerns regarding issues of professional integrity, scientific responsibility, respect for people’s right and dignity, concern for the welfare of others, and social responsibility. (Capella University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing (Online) 2005.) Because forensic psychology is a constantly evolving field it’s important that a person be knowledgeable as well as have the skill set required to have a successful forensic psychology practice. The ethics of our profession require us to be competent and skilled in the areas in which we provide services. Since most states don't license subspecialties, the onus is on the practitioner to make sure he or she has the necessary skills and knowledge to practice in a specialty area in an ethical manner; if a case "goes south" and you find yourself in front of your ethics board, it will be up to you to show that you knew what you were doing. (Journal of Psychiatry and Law (Online) 2007.) As a forensic psychologist a person will conduct evaluations, provide treatment and carry out research all …show more content…

A forensic psychologists reports will be viewed by more people than a traditional psychologist. Being able to communicate effectively within your writing is necessary. The position in English law is that expert evidence will be held inadmissible if it lacks ‘prima facie reliability’. Alternatively, some well-established theories or methods may pass into evidence on the basis that judicial notice is taken of their reliability. In the absence of specific guidance for judges on how to interpret a ‘reliable body of knowledge or experience’ the courts have repeatedly ruled that all other expert evidence need only be ‘sufficiently well-established to pass the ordinary tests of relevance and reliability’ for it to be admitted into a criminal trial. (University of Kent (United Kingdom) ProQuest Dissertations Publishing (Online) 2021.) Being a competent psychologist is important but so is being an effective evaluation writer. Knowing not only what is needed by the court but also what can be included will be important as well as having a good understanding of the English language. Another factor that likely contributes to the problem of poor quality of forensic reports is imbalance between demand and supply. That is, the legal system's need for forensic evaluations

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