Introduction
In popular culture, forensic psychology has gained significant recognition, especially among true crime fanatics, with the rise of crime documentaries, movies, and podcasts. However, the difference is that the true crime genre is a lot more about speculations and conspiracy theories, whereas the actual job of a forensic psychologist differs vastly.
Students interested in the field opt for forensic psychology courses that provide them with knowledge and skills related to the behavioural science of a crime scene and play an integral part in understanding various crimes from the perspective of psychology.
Brief Overview of Forensic Psychology
The expanse of forensic psychology is not limited to psychology, but also accounts law and biology. Forensic Psychologists use principles of clinical psychology to evaluate the crime scene they are called for, and present their factually-backed opinions and statements to the authorities such as police, judiciary, or the correctional system.
Roles of a Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychology is part of the broader subject of Psychology, and,hence, the similarities. As a subfield of the broader discipline, forensic psychology applies all psychological facts and findings to criminal cases. The police and legal authorities often call these forensic psychologists to investigate the crime scene, give adequate insight into the nature of the crime and the state of mind of both the perpetrator and victim. The typical roles and responsibilities of a Forensic Psychologist are listed below.
- Conduct psychological evaluations of offenders at the time of the crime.
- Create offender profiles and assess their mental competency to stand trial.
- Provide expert testimony in court based on psychological assessments.
- Evaluate the risk of re-offending and help design effective correctional and rehabilitation programs.
- Assist in child custody decisions in cases where parents are deceased, absent, or unable to care for the child.
- Advise lawyers and legal teams on matters related to mental health in legal cases.
- Support victims of violent crimes and trauma survivors through therapy and rehabilitation.
The fundamental role of a Forensic Psychologist is to apply psychological principles and rules to the crime scene and the criminal justice system. Forensic Psychologists often work alongside Forensic Scientists to better explain the crime and expose the criminal minds behind it.
What is the Difference Between Forensic & Criminal Psychology?
Psychology is a vast subject, and it contains several subfields, including Criminal & Forensic Psychology. These two branches may seem like the same thing from the surface; however, that is clearly not the case. Both these fields deal with illegal activity, criminal tendencies, and the criminal mind and its motives.
Forensic Psychology: Forensic Psychologists are called to a crime scene and often given the chance to interview offenders to determine if they are sound enough to stand trial, the rehabilitation or correctional programmes they need to attend, and give testimonials in the court based on their findings and expert opinion.
Criminal Psychology: On the other hand, Criminal Psychology is concerned with the motivation and intention behind a crime. For this, they would go on to analyse the offender’s background, their upbringing, their behavioural patterns, and the environment, which may have played a part in the criminal activity they have been apprehended for.
The key difference between criminal and forensic psychology courses is the educational background. You will need a doctorate degree in Psychology to become a Forensic Psychologist, whereas a Criminal Psychologist needs to have a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and a professional background in law enforcement.
| Criteria | Forensic Psychology | Criminal Psychology |
| Focus Area | Application of psychology in legal and court settings | Study of criminal behaviour, motives, and intent |
| Key Responsibilities | Assess fitness for trial, testify in court, aid in sentencing | Analyse criminal minds, profile offenders |
| Education Path | Doctorate in Psychology (clinical/forensic specialization) | Master’s in Criminal Justice or Psychology with law enforcement exp |
| Involvement Stage | Post-crime: legal proceedings, sentencing, custody decisions | Pre- and post-crime: motivations, behaviour patterns |
| Collaboration | Works with courts, legal teams, correctional facilities | Often works with law enforcement, detectives |
How Mental Health Assessments Impact Legal Outcomes?
Mental health in legal cases is still at a preliminary stage in India, and the involvement of licensed Forensic Psychologists has only started to increase lately. In India, the legal landscape has started taking mental health seriously, and Psychologists are being increasingly involved with legal cases. The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 is the prime piece of legislation that emphasises the need for mental healthcare, human treatment, and proper rehabilitation for individuals who are in conflict with the law. It also decriminalises suicide.
Forensic Psychologists play a crucial role in the psychological assessment of offenders by determining their fitness to stand trial, understanding criminal responsibility, and even assisting in criminal sentencing. This inclusion of psychological assessments in criminal trials and sentencing shows a humane approach, which lawyers and psychologists welcome with much appreciation.
| Aspect | Impact on Legal Outcomes |
| Fitness to Stand Trial | Determines whether the accused is mentally capable of understanding and participating in trial. |
| Criminal Responsibility | Assesses if the individual was mentally sound at the time of the crime (insanity defense, etc.). |
| Sentencing Recommendations | Can lead to reduced sentences, rehabilitation instead of incarceration, or psychiatric care. |
| Decriminalisation of Suicide | Thanks to the Mental Healthcare Act, suicide is no longer a criminal offence in India. |
| Rehabilitation Planning | Helps courts decide appropriate mental health treatments for convicted individuals. |
| Victim and Witness Support | Assists in understanding trauma, especially in vulnerable witnesses like children. |
A Simple Guide to Become a Forensic Psychologist in India
The forensic psychology courses in India are particularly designed for Psychology students wanting to work in the Criminal Justice system. For this, they must first do an undergraduate course in Psychology or Law. Then they are required to attend a specialised master’s programme in Forensic Psychology or a combination of criminal justice, criminal behaviour, and social psychology and develop professional skills.
After finishing the master’s programme, they may start a P.hD. or doctorate to further expand their academic qualifications. The forensic psychology courses are a rare specialisation in most universities, which is why students often pick a combination of similar subjects and gather work experience by working alongside criminal psychologists or forensic psychologists. To become a Forensic Psychologist, students require academic qualification along with practical experience to present an impeccable portfolio when applying for jobs in the future.
