Forensic Psychology section
Forensic Psychology
Forensic Psychologists play an active role in the legal system, providing attorneys and judges with valuable information about the defendants who stand before them. Often times these individuals presenta complex picture with respect to the psychological factors that contributed to their legal predicament. Despite attempts to ‘profile’ individuals who commit crimes, there is no single “type” of law violator. Sometimes the people we least expect to violate the law, do so with unusual expertise and cunning. For others, their behavior might seem more predictable if we examine the psychosocial factors that are often related to crime. Still other defendants might be struggling with hidden emotional/psychological problems that are imperceptible until he or she finally commits an unimaginable crime. But, defendants differ considerably in terms of their backgrounds, motivations, temperaments, the degree to which they are ‘entrenched’ in criminal behavior, whether or not they can be rehabilitated, not to mention the ease with which they understand their legal situation or are receptive to the efforts of defense counsel.
Forensic psychologists address many issues that arise with defendants, some of which can have a significant impact on the outcome of their case. These issues include their mental state, competency, chronic mental illness, substance abuse, history of trauma, resistances to counsel, anxiety about their legal situation, cognitive, emotional and historical factors that impact their decision making and judgment. Forensic psychologists apply psychological theories, principles, research and practices to these challenging legal situations, offering insights into the minds of those who knowingly, inadvertently or chronically break the law whether embezzling millions of dollars from the local credit union where they work, stealing someone’s identity, robbing the corner grocery store or taking someone’s life.
Forensic Psychologists also evaluate the emotional/psychological impact of physical injuries resulting from work and motor vehicle accidents, sexual assault and discrimination. Forensic psychologists recognize the sometimes fragile nature of the human psyche and how the lingering effects of a physical or psychological injury can result in significant loss in productivity, income and life satisfaction as the client struggles with depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress.
Dr. Davis has provided forensic services in pre-trial and post-conviction (Habeas) capital cases, has evaluated defendants for mental competency and criminal responsibility. Dr. Davis provides psychological evaluations for sentencing purposes in both state and federal courts. She has provided expert testimony regarding the psychosocial factors associated with criminal conduct, sentencing alternatives, disposition, and as an education about psychological concepts that might be more difficult for the triers-of-fact to understand. One such area is psychological testing as well as the distinction between ‘risk’ factors and ‘causal’ factors associated with crime.