What is Forensic Psychology?

About the lecture

In this lecture, we consider what the field of forensic psychology encompasses and how it can be defined, focusing in particular on: (i) the etymological root of the term ‘forensic’ in the Latin word ‘forensis’ (of or pertaining to the forum); (ii) how this relates to the original role of forensic psychologists as expert witnesses who provided psychological advice on defendants to the courts; (iii) how the field of forensic psychology has evolved over time to encompass many other areas in which psychologists can contribute to the legal process, including offender profiling and investigative interviewing.

About the lecturer

Although internationally known for introducing scientific psychology into ‘offender profiling’ and developing the field of Investigative Psychology beyond those origins, Prof. David Canter has a wide range of interests including his continuing work in Environmental Psychology.