Decision Making Capacity & Other Legal Capacities

Written by Kristen L. Fescoe, MS, and Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

May 19, 2023

When it comes to an individual’s ability to make a legal decision, there are a number of important codes and statutes that protect people if they are not fit to make those important decisions....
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What is Bipolar Disorder?

Written by Staff

May 1, 2023

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition associated with mood. It commonly falls under the category of mood disorders characterized by severe fluctuations in mood and changes in energy, thinking, sleep, and behaviors. ...
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History of the Juvenile Delinquency System

Written by Staff

April 15, 2023

Management of juvenile delinquency has been evolving for centuries. Before the 18th century, juveniles over age 7 were subject to the same criminal justice system as adults. In the 18th century, children entered the workforce young and aligned with society like adults. The economic hardship during this era led to juveniles losing their jobs as factory workers....
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Miller v. Alabama

Written by Staff

April 1, 2023

Miller v. Alabama is a landmark supreme court case pertaining to the sentencing of juvenile criminal offenders. In this case, the supreme court decided it was unconstitutional to sentence a juvenile to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Subsequent juvenile offender criminal cases arose following Miller v. Alabama, further shaping the legal system....
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What is Psychopathy?

Written By Staff

March 15, 2023

Society has used the term psychopathy for quite some time. Psychopathy is a focal point of several movies and attracts public attention and fear. ...
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Filicide: A Brief Overview of Child Homicide by Parent(s)

Written by Staff

March 1, 2023

When a parent, either the mother or father, kills their child, the act is defined as filicide. Filicide can be shocking for the community because parents are expected to protect and care for their children. However, filicide is not a new act; it has occurred among populations since the beginning of time....
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Understanding Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Written by Staff

February 27, 2023

According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatry Association, 2013), individuals exposed to a severe traumatic event(s), whether directly or indirectly, may develop a mental health condition known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A traumatic event is defined as exposure to:...
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What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Written by Staff

January 26, 2023

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a significant mental health condition actively being researched. Researchers believe that genetic factors, environmental factors, and brain function cause BPD. BPD is more common if there is a family history; however, anyone can develop BPD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) describes this personality disorder as a condition with a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image and affects, and impulsivity that occurs by adulthood (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Individuals affected by BPD experience symptoms that fall into the following categories:...
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Overview: What Do Forensic Psychologists Do?

Written by Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

August 26, 2021

History Forensic psychology emerged as early as the 1950s and was historically described as “the role of psychology in the criminal justice system.” Forensic psychology has been a subfield in psychology for decades but was formally recognized as a specialty area by the American Psychological Association in 2001 (APA, 2001). Forensic psychological practice has expanded drastically since then. Psychologists have always been involved in almost......
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Foucha v. Louisiana, 504 U.S. 71 (1992)

Written by Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

July 26, 2021

This blog article will address the significance of a U.S. Supreme court case that discussed the criteria for continued commitment of a person who was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Terry Foucha was charged with aggravated burglary and illegal discharge of a firearm. He had burglarized a home and discharged a firearm in the direction of a law enforcement officer that was responding......
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