Michigan’s Ruling That Redefines Youth & Justice In April 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court held that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for 19- and 20-year-olds convicted of murder violate  the state constitution. The justices concluded that imposing such punishment without considering an offender’s youth and capacity for change is “grossly disproportionate.”  Notably, the court relied on scientific evidence showing that brain development continues into the early twentie

“Psychosis” is a term often heard but widely misunderstood, frequently associated with inaccurate and harmful stereotypes. To cut through the confusion, we’ve distilled the core insights of clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Douglas E. Lewis, Jr., from his interview with Harsh Patel titled “Mental Health Support in Jail: Competency Restoration Explained.”  This blog provides a clear, simple explanation of what psychosis is, what its symptoms are, and addresses one of the

In courtrooms across America, forensic psychologists hold immense power over people’s lives. Their assessments can determine whether a defendant stands trial, receives treatment, or risks returning to prison. One misjudgment can ripple through a life forever. But in a nation where immigrants, people of color, and other marginalized groups are disproportionately swept into the justice system, cultural blind spots can make even the most careful evaluations dangerously incomplet

For decades, Americans have been fascinated by forensic psychology, from gripping episodes of Law & Order  to addictive true-crime podcasts. Yet the reality is far more consequential and nuanced than television portrays. Today, amid heated public debates over fairness in the U.S. justice system, forensic psychology stands at the intersection of science, law, and societal trust. These experts do far more than explain criminal motives on the witness stand; they guide judges in

How Civil Courts Handle Psychological Injury & Emotional Distress Psychological injury and emotional distress claims sit at the intersection of psychology and U.S. civil law. Unlike physical injuries, harms such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression must be clearly defined and linked to the defendant’s conduct to be compensable. These injuries are generally stress‑related conditions arising from real or reasonably perceived threats significant enough to be recognized in litigation.

The Role and Challenges of Psychological Testing Psychological testing, including standardized cognitive, personality, neuropsychological, or malingering assessments, is widely endorsed in theory as a key component of court ordered forensic evaluations. Such tests are valued because they can provide norm referenced, empirically grounded data that help answer legal questions, e.g. about a person’s competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, psychological impairment, or

The Legal Spotlight: Gunman Found Guilty After Failed Insanity Plea In a recent Colorado case, a mass shooter attempted an insanity defense, but jurors rejected it and convicted him. The verdict underscores a long-standing reality: despite media portrayals, insanity pleas are infrequent and rarely successful. Research shows that the defense is raised in fewer than 1% of felony cases, and of those, only about 0.25% lead to acquittals. Even then, defendants almost never go free

The Legal Spotlight: Disability Rights North Carolina vs. North Carolina DHHS In April 2024, Disability Rights North Carolina and the ACLU-NC sued the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alleging the state delays mental health evaluations and treatment for those unable to assist in their defense. Plaintiffs say such delays, averaging 68 days for evaluations  and over five months for treatment , are unacceptable. This case is an example of the U.S. competen

In the high-stakes world where mental health meets the gavel, two key players often step into the spotlight: the forensic psychologist and the forensic psychiatrist. These professionals bridge the gap between psychology, medicine, and the law, providing critical insights that can sway court decisions, shape treatment plans, and even determine someone's fate. But while their work overlaps significantly (especially in court evaluations), there's a stark pay disparity that highl