Journal of Forensic Psychology

Exploring the Role of Forensic Neuropsychology in the Legal System: Assessing Cognitive Functioning and Providing Expert Testimony

Bigler Shane^* Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, United States of America
^*Correspondence: Bigler Shane, Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, United States of America, Email:

Received: 01-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. JFPY-23-20371; Editor assigned: 03-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. JFPY-23-20371 (PQ); Reviewed: 17-Mar-2023, QC No. JFPY-23-20371; Revised: 24-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. JFPY-23-20371 (R); Published: 31-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2475-319X.23.8.273

Description

Forensic neuropsychology is the study of how to use neuropsychological techniques and methods in the court system. A neuropsychologist is engaged as an independent contractor by a third party, such as a lawyer, insurance provider, or the court, to conduct a forensic neuropsychological examination in order to assess cognitive functioning. Establishing the existence or absence of neurological and/or psychiatric diseases, establishing the causation of a specific incident or accident, describing the severity of functional deficits, and identifying limitations. To competence or daily functioning, prognosis, medical necessity of treatment, and/or disability status are common components of forensic neuropsychological evaluations in civil litigation. The results of the neuropsychological evaluation may be used to help with sentencing/mitigation in criminal cases as well as concerns related to responsibility for the crime and competency to stand trial. At the USF Neuropsychology Division, clinical neuropsychologists who have a background in forensic neuropsychology are employed. USF Neuropsychology Division provides neuropsychological assistance for both civil and criminal legal actions. Record reviews, neuropsychological/neurocognitive testing, litigant and collateral interviews, behavioural observation, and integration of these data to a report delivered to attorneys and frequently the court are all possible components of forensic neuropsychological exams. Additionally, USF neuropsychologists can provide second opinions and a study of the relevant medical and neuropsychological records to help in creating cross examinations and legal arguments.

When it comes to important legal issues, a forensic neuropsychologist offers information based on neuropsychological principles that have been verified by science and clinical therapy. In forensic neuropsychology, experts aren't simply interested in if the patient has a malfunction; they're also interested in whether the dysfunction was caused by a problem that was raised in a legal case, such a criminal trial or an employment dispute.

It may be necessary to consult with legal counsel or law enforcement, as well as to present expert testimony in court.

To be able to provide evaluations that are legally admissible, forensic neuropsychologists must have completed rigorous training and gathered significant experience. They must specialise in the forensic/legal application of their clinical knowledge and skills, however they may also work in clinical settings.

Although it is still a young profession, forensic neuropsychology has expanded greatly during the past few years. The use of neuropsychological testimony in American courts is generally accepted. In fact, our psychologists from the Chicago area have testified as experts in court on numerous occasions.

Importance of forensic psychology

There are several significant talents that forensic psychologists have that can benefit the criminal justice system. They consist of:

Examining the mental state of criminals: While under duress or when their ideas are unstable, people often commit crimes. Such criminals are subject to lighter punishments than a reasonable person would. Forensic psychologists can assess the offender's mental state in such a situation and establish whether or not they are in the right mental condition. It can assist in establishing just punishments for criminal behaviour.

Could provide additional support: The testimony of forensic psychologists may be used in conjunction with other evidence to aid the jury in making a decision. Cases typically get hazy due to a lack of proof. A few errors can cause the outcome to drastically vary. In this case, forensic psychologists can help by commenting and providing more information about the offender's behaviour and motivations for committing the crime.

Choosing the right therapy in prison: Criminals who suffer from mental illness are more likely to pain or other inmates. These people receive special accommodations in rooms with settings tailored to their cognitive requirements. The optimum place for such criminals to be imprisoned and the suitable sentence might be recommended by forensic psychologists.

The judicial system can be improved by forensic psychologists by providing a few benefits like those mentioned above. A court system must be comprehensive and transparent before it can sentence criminals. Courts use forensic psychologists to help them determine the crimes committed and the appropriate sentences.