The forensic psychologist is a psychology professional whose main function is to prepare an expert psychological report oriented towards judicial processes. This report is the main tool and is a written document, signed and dated by the expert, of a scientific and legal nature, totally objective and impartial, where conclusions and considerations are presented, responding to the reason for the requested report. It is issued by order of judicial authorities and, if necessary, must be ratified in the oral hearing.
However, the forensic psychologist also provides specific advice to lawyers and individuals on aspects they master and that fall within their competence.
There is a wide range of possible scenarios within each field of action where we can intervene with our knowledge. These are the most well-known:
Criminal: Expert psychological assessments of sequelae after a crime, criminal behavior, analysis of simulations, determining the psychological profile of the accused, among others:
- Culpability and criminal responsibility
- Impairment of cognitive and volitional capacities
- Psychopathological disorders
- Relationship between disorder and criminal act
- Prediction of dangerousness and criminal recidivism (Criminal risk)
- Detection of simulation or dissimulation
- Criminal profile
- Drug addiction and/or drug dependence
- Damages and sequelae
- Crimes against sexual freedom (rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse)
Although the following sections “Victimology” and “Minors” are judicially within criminal law, I believe separating them helps to better understand and differentiate the content of each.
Victimology: Assessment of psychological sequelae in the victim, moral damage, or credibility of the victim’s testimony:
- Domestic violence
- Gender-based violence
- Assessment of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment
- Moral harm and psychological consequences
- Psychic sequelae
- Credibility of testimony
- Psychological autopsy
Minors: Preparation of expert psychological reports related to minors within the judicial sphere:
- Credibility of testimony in alleged child sexual abuse
- Bullying/cyberbullying
- Assessment of child abuse
- Psychological assessment of the minor
Family: Expert psychological assessments to evaluate parental capacities and/or the psychological state of minors and, in general, the correct psycho-socio-educational development of the minor:
- Deprivation or extinction of parental authority
- Assessment of parental capacities in custody
- Visitation rights
- Review of measures and visitation rights
- Suspicion of psychological manipulation of the child/children
- Parental suitability for adoptions and guardianships
- Mediation
Civil: Expert psychological assessments to determine the mental state of individuals involved in legal proceedings against others:
- Incapacitated persons (disability, impairment)
- Nullity
- Voluntary/involuntary hospitalizations
- Assessments in civil liability and accidents
- Capacity/testamentary challenge
Labor: Expert psychological assessments aimed at determining a person’s mental state to perform the functions required by their job, among others:
- Incapacity and invalidity
- Mobbing or psychological harm (workplace harassment)
- Psychological sequelae from work accidents
- Work-related psychopathologies
- Sexual harassment at work
- Assessment of burnout syndrome
- Detection of simulation
Forensic psychology today is one of the youngest branches of psychology in Spain; however, it is booming and will be increasingly in demand. The role of the forensic psychologist will gain importance and recognition to the point where they are considered an imperative necessity in society.