Question 1

When faced with making legal decisions, judges are reluctant to make decisions that contradict earlier judicial decisions. This propensity is an example of the principle of

Accepted Answer

Stare decisis is a legal principle that means "to stand by things decided." It refers to the practice of following the decisions made in previous, similar cases. Judges are hesitant to overturn earlier decisions because of the importance of consistency and predictability in the legal system.

Question 2

Decisions rendered by the United States Supreme Court

Accepted Answer

The United States Supreme Court decisions are binding on state courts when they involve federal law or constitutional issues, but not necessarily in cases involving only state law.

Question 3

In deciding the type of graduate program to attend, which is true?

Accepted Answer

Most students interested in forensic psychology think about obtaining a doctorate. This is supported by research data and the trend in the field, as a doctoral degree is required for most advanced positions in forensic psychology. However, individual circumstances and goals may vary, so it is important to carefully consider all options and factors before making a decision.

Question 4

Which one of the following would not be considered a forensic psychologist, according to the definition of forensic psychology offered in the text?

Accepted Answer

According to the definition of forensic psychology offered in the text, forensic psychologists apply their expertise in legal contexts, specifically in relation to the judicial and criminal justice systems. A cognitive psychologist testifying about the inaccuracy of eyewitness memory may have expertise relevant to a legal case, but they are not necessarily applying their expertise within a legal context, and therefore would not be considered a forensic psychologist.

Question 5

The word forensic is derived from the Latin word describing _______________ in Ancient Rome.

Accepted Answer

The word forensic is derived from the Latin term "forensis," which means "in open court" or "public." In Ancient Rome, individuals would resolve disputes in public forums called "fora," which is where the term forensic comes from.

Question 6

In the United States federal court system, trial courts are generally referred to as

Accepted Answer

Trial courts are generally referred to as district courts in the United States federal court system. Circuit courts and appeals courts are appellate courts, while the Supreme Court is the highest court in the federal system.

Question 7

______________ is a principle that suggests a person must have committed an unlawful act willfully or purposely.

Accepted Answer

Mens rea is a Latin term that translates to "guilty mind." It refers to the mental state of the defendant at the time the crime was committed. In order for a person to be found guilty of a crime, they must have committed the act willfully or purposely, which is referred to as mens rea. The other choices, forensic, culpability, and common law, are not directly related to the definition of mens rea.

Question 8

Which of the following is a disadvantage of obtaining a joint-degree?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining a joint-degree may limit one's career options as it may be seen as too specialized for certain job opportunities.

Question 9

All of the following are in keeping with the notion of therapeutic jurisprudence except that

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic jurisprudence does not suggest that therapeutic concerns should be the only concern when creating new laws. Rather, it suggests that laws should be designed in a way that promotes therapeutic outcomes while still maintaining traditional legal values such as justice and fairness.

Question 10

Which of the following is not an element of a tort?

Accepted Answer

The harm in a tort case does not necessarily need to have a financial basis, as it can include physical harm, emotional distress, and damage to reputation. The other three options (owing a duty, violation of a duty, and harm must have occurred) are all essential elements of a tort.

Question 11

Which of the following is a difference between forensic psychologists and forensic psychiatrists?

Accepted Answer

Forensic psychologists typically have more experience conducting psychological assessments, while forensic psychiatrists have more medical training and are able to prescribe medication. Both professions typically require a doctoral degree, although some forensic psychologists may have a master's degree. The severity of an individual's mental illness does not necessarily determine which professional is best suited to assist them.

Question 12

There are a number of conflicting areas between psychology and the law. Which of the following areas is associated with the legal perspective?

Accepted Answer

Conservatism is associated with the legal perspective as the law relies on precedent and established legal principles, whereas psychology is more focused on empirical evidence and experimentation. Probabilistic and empirical approaches can be utilized by both psychology and the law.

Question 13

About ________ of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists have engaged in criminal profiling.

Accepted Answer

Approximately 10% of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists have engaged in criminal profiling, as it is a specialized area within the field.

Question 14

Who is considered to be the first to engage in the clinical practice of forensic psychology?

Accepted Answer

Lightner Witmer is considered to be the first to engage in the clinical practice of forensic psychology. He established the first psychological clinic in the United States in 1896 and began using psychological methods to assess and treat criminal offenders.

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of specialty programs in forensic psychology?

Accepted Answer

Specialty programs in forensic psychology often offer seminars and classes that focus specifically on forensic-related issues, such as expert testimony, criminal behavior, and legal proceedings. While some programs may excel in integration of psychology and law, it is not necessarily a universal characteristic and therefore cannot be selected as the best choice. Similarly, while some forensic psychologists may choose specialized programs, this is not true for all and cannot be used as an indicator of quality. Finally, claiming that specialty programs are superior in all aspects is an overgeneralization and cannot be selected as the best choice.

Question 16

Which court decision first recognized the admissibility of expert testimony by psychologists in insanity cases?

Accepted Answer

Jenkins v. United States was the first court decision to recognize the admissibility of expert testimony by psychologists in insanity cases.

Question 17

Law created by federal or state legislatures is called _____________________.

Accepted Answer

Statutory law is created by federal or state legislatures through the enactment of legislation.

Question 18

Branson loves to collect dead bugs in his spare time. However, Lois is disgusted by his behavior and is suing Branson on behalf of dead bugs everywhere. She believes they have suffered long enough as they wait to be Branson's next victim. As a result of the lawsuit, Branson will probably have to appear in ___________________.

Accepted Answer

A civil lawsuit is a legal dispute between two or more parties seeking monetary damages or specific performance, rather than criminal sanctions. In this case, Lois is suing Branson for his behavior that she believes has caused harm to dead bugs. This type of lawsuit is typically heard in civil court. Juvenile court is for cases involving minors, criminal court is for cases involving criminal offenses, and administrative court is for disputes involving government agencies.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is true of joint-degree programs?

Accepted Answer

Joint-degree programs attempt to integrate two different disciplines. This means that the programs combine two areas of study, such as law and psychology, in order to provide a more comprehensive education to students. Joint-degree programs do not necessarily lead to higher salaries or represent the best way to be trained in a specific field, but rather provide a unique learning opportunity for those interested in exploring multiple areas of study.

Question 20

Criminal law is concerned with ________________________.

Accepted Answer

Criminal law deals with acts that are considered to be harmful to society as a whole, such as murder, robbery, and fraud. It is different from civil law, which deals with disputes between individuals and organizations. Acts involving financial compensation fall under civil law, not criminal law. Similarly, not all criminal acts involve physical harm.

Quiz 1: What Is Forensic Psychology an Introduction