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9: The Growing Future of Forensic Psychology

DOI:

10.1891/9780826140753.0009

Abstract

This chapter addresses the future of forensic psychology and its growth. To do that, new topics are introduced to show the breadth of the discipline. First, it explores forensic psychology and its relationship to the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA has well over 100,000 members, and its influence and the opportunities the organization makes available are international in scope (APA history, 2017). Media psychology, neuropsychology, police, gangs, correctional psychology, and terrorism/violence are all potential areas of specialized practice for forensic psychologists. Forensic psychologists are informally guided by Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists (2013). The chapter examines two of them in regard to the importance of diversity considerations. Finally, it briefs two cases specifically related to the work of mental health experts. These cases illustrate the need for mental health experts, issues raised by death penalty sentencing, and the importance of consistency and precedent in the U.S. Supreme Court.