Voluntary status is a type of civil commitment where a person assigns themselves to a psychiatric holding. The law allows a person, above 18 years, who believes being held in such a holding would be useful to be allowed a voluntary admission (Disability Rights Ohio). In such a situation, a person signs an application form for the voluntary status, which is later approved by the hospital staff on whether or not to grant admission. I believe this commitment is more superior since a person can identify changes in their thought patterns. For instance, if they have suicidal thoughts it may be difficult to share this with other people. However, if one believed they are a danger to themselves then they can check themselves into a psychiatric holding. The commitment allows a person a chance to judge themselves and reduces any denial that may exist if this judgement was placed by another person.
Forensic psychology is the ability to predict and understand human behaviour. It is useful when applied in the criminal justice system. One of the biggest responsibilities of a forensic psychologist is evaluating the competency of criminals. A person can only stand trial in the American justice system if they are competent to do so (Psychologist World). Being competent means having the ability to physically and mentally understand the charges. For instance, if a mentally ill woman kills a person in an accident then they may be found incompetent to stand trial. The forensic psychologist may rule that the person is not intellectually capable of understanding their actions. The question of a criminal’s competence is mostly evaluated in a murder trial, especially if there is a likelihood of facing the death penalty. It is not ethical or just to murder a person who does not understand their actions and it is the forensic psychologist’s role to provide the court with this information. It is clear the kind of responsibility that is placed on a forensic psychologist. With such a responsibility, a forensic psychologist faces challenges of malingering where they have to be sure the criminal is not faking their incompetency. It is possible for a defendant to fake their incompetence. A forensic psychologist has to rely on their training to detect such deceiving acts. There are a number of ethical complaints associated with forensic psychologists in court-related jobs. As such, their actions are scrutinised to a high degree including their testimonies in court. In most cases, the flaws of the professional conduct of psychologists are addressed during proceedings. It is possible for forensic psychologists to be easily biased. It is easy for the psychologist to advocate for the cause. Mental health professionals have strong opinions about the issues in their field. In most cases, they may offer opinions that seem to advance their cause instead of just offering advice (Psychologist World). Such actions can be interpreted as being biased. Also, from a psychologist’s personal experience it is possible for their personal views to influence their view of the offenders’ offences. From their experience with other victims, it possible for their duty and role to the court to get compromised by associating the experience with previous victims with the present ones.
The responses of my classmates on the subject are interesting. I agree with Brenda’s response, especially since it is similar to mine. However, her response is more personalised and indicates that she thought deeply. In addition, she brings out a great point of the thoughts of forensic psychologists when they are attempting to determine whether a criminal is mentally competent or insane. Roxanne addresses the amount of effort and pressure it takes for the psychologist to determine the competence of a criminal. She talks about the impact such a responsibility has since it alters a criminal’s life. Robyn addressed the issue of how difficult it is for psychologists to understand a person’s mentality, especially since it requires them to understand their actions and choices. That can be difficult because some criminals are psychopaths and can fake emotions.
Works Cited
Disability Rights Ohio. Civil Commitment: Information about the Process for People Alleged to be Mentally Ill. Disability Rights, 2012. Web. Retrieved from http://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/civil-commitment#definitions
Psychologist World. Forensic Psychology. Psychologist World, 2016. Web. Retrieved from https://www.psychologistworld.com/issues/forensic-psychology.php
