Psychology
Crime
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.
Crime
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.
