In a Georgia courtroom, the tension is palpable as Judge Smith listens intently. The defendant, just found guilty of a violent offense, sits quietly at the defense table. The focus has shifted from the facts of the crime to a deeper question: why did it happen? Seated nearby is a forensic psychologist who has spent weeks examining the defendant’s life history through a mitigation evaluation, a comprehensive assessment designed to provide the court with a fuller picture of the

In the intersection of mental health and criminal law, two concepts frequently arise but are often misunderstood or conflated: competency to stand trial (CST) and criminal responsibility (commonly known as the insanity defense). These are legally distinct issues with different timeframes, purposes, and outcomes. This distinction is especially critical in states like Georgia, where statutes and court precedents emphasize procedural safeguards tied to constitutional due process

“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

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