forensic assignment quiz

What is the purpose of forensic psychology in the courtroom?

• To determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant

• To evaluate the competency of a defendant to stand trial

• To assess the mental state of a defendant at the time of the crime

• All of the above

What is the difference between competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility?

• Competency refers to the defendant's mental state at the time of the crime, while criminal responsibility refers to whether the defendant committed the crime

• Competency refers to whether the defendant understands the charges against them and can assist in their defense, while criminal responsibility refers to whether the defendant was aware of the wrongfulness of their actions

• Competency refers to whether the defendant has the ability to plead guilty or not guilty, while criminal responsibility refers to whether the defendant had a motive for committing the crime

• None of the above

What is the role of eyewitness testimony in a criminal trial?

• Eyewitness testimony is always considered reliable evidence

• Eyewitness testimony can be influenced by factors such as stress, memory distortion, and suggestibility

• Eyewitness testimony is only admissible if the witness is an expert in the field of psychology

• None of the above

What ethical considerations should a psychologist keep in mind when serving as an expert witness?

• Maintaining confidentiality and privacy of the parties involved

• Avoiding any conflicts of interest or biases

• Being honest and transparent in their opinions and testimony

• All of the above

What are some ways that a defense attorney can impact the outcome of a criminal trial?

• Presenting evidence to cast doubt on the prosecution's case

• Cross-examining witnesses to challenge their credibility

• Negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution

• All of the above

What is the difference between a public defender and a private defense attorney?

• A public defender is appointed by the court to represent indigent defendants, while a private defense attorney is hired by the defendant or their family

• A public defender is less experienced than a private defense attorney

• A public defender is more likely to prioritize the interests of the prosecution over the interests of the defendant

• None of the above

What are the goals of punishment in the court system?

• Retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and incapacitation

• Retribution, revenge, reformation, and restoration

• Retribution, compensation, exoneration, and reform

• Retribution, rehabilitation, exoneration, and incapacitation

What is the role of a psychologist in civil court?

• To act as a judge in civil cases

• To provide therapy to individuals involved in civil court proceedings

• To evaluate the mental health and well-being of individuals involved in civil court proceedings

• None of the above

What is the potential impact of judges on the outcome of a court case?

• Judges have no impact on the outcome of a court case; their role is purely administrative

• Judges can influence the outcome of a court case through their decisions on evidentiary issues, jury instructions, and sentencing

• Judges can override the verdict of a jury if they disagree with the decision

• None of the above

What is the definition of a juvenile in the court system?

• A person under the age of 16

• A person under the age of 18

• A person under the age of 21

• A person under the age of 25