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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Why Are Forensic Psychologists Used As Expert Witnesses?

Written by Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

March 29, 2022

The courts and legal system have relied upon expert witnesses in mental health fields since the 18th century. In California, under evidence code 720, a person is qualified to testify as an expert if they have specialized knowledge, skill, experience, education, or training sufficient enough to qualify them as an expert in a said subject area relevant to their testimony....
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What Conditions Do Neuropsychologists Evaluate?

Written by Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

October 29, 2021

Clinical Neuropsychology is a sector of psychology that focuses on brain function and systems in relation to behavior. Clinical neuropsychologists undergo specific training that focuses on neurology...
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4 Common Learning Disabilities

Written by Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

October 24, 2021

The four common learning disabilities are classified as reading disabilities, mathematical learning disability, writing disability, and nonverbal learning disability....
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What is the Role of Forensic Psychologists in a Criminal Case?

Written by Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

September 30, 2021

In a criminal case, a forensic psychologist plays the role of a neutral third party to the court. This means that they are to maintain an impartial and objective role as the retained forensic psychologist of the case. Therefore, the field of forensic psychology demands professionals maintain and practice high standards of ethics and integrity....
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How Do Forensic Psychologists Determine Criminal Competency?

Written by Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

September 27, 2021

Competence within the criminal justice system is a concept of law that allows for criminal proceedings to be postponed for individuals who are deemed incompetent to stand trial. Competency refers to the defendant's capacity to participate in their defense and make decisions during the trial process....
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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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