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Week3_AtaGlance_IntrotoForensicPsych-Spring2026.pdf
Week3_Assignment11.pdf
Week3_AtaGlance_IntrotoForensicPsych-Spring2026.pdf
WEEK 3: AT A GLANCE FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY AND THE COURT SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
Two parents who love their three school-age children are divorcing. The mother is a highly compensated and successful business executive. The father, a stay-at-home dad, is involved extensively in all daily aspects of the children’s lives. A conviction for drug dealing, possession, and use during his third year at college has prevented him from securing well-paid employment. Both parents want full custody of their children. What factors should the courts consider in this matter? Should the children’s parental preferences be taken into account? Should they be allowed to testify in their own custody case?
Consider a vastly different scenario. A 48-year-old high school basketball coach has been accused of sexually assaulting several of his former male basketball players. Although he has had no previous arrests, the actual assaults involved violent behavior, and victims reported that they had been threatened with physical harm if they reported any of the incidents to authorities. Should the coach be released after serving his sentence at a state penitentiary or be committed to a specialized state-run treatment center for sex offenders? A forensic psychologist may be asked to weigh in on these highly charged court cases.
In civil cases (non-criminal cases), forensic psychologists play a variety of roles. Examples of their responsibilities include making custody recommendations and evaluating the "fitness" of
DISCUSSION
(https://w
ASSIGNMENT
(https://w
RESOURCES
(https://w
(https://cdn- media.waldenu.edu/2dett4d/Walden/Canvas/Getty/ 1920x938/GettyLicense_91222902.jpg)
each parent to raise a child. In criminal cases, a forensic psychologist may conduct a risk assessment of a convicted sex offender. The results of the assessment may be used to inform the court as to whether the offender should be indefinitely committed to a psychiatric or correctional facility or be released after serving his or her sentence.
In the criminal justice system, it is imperative that defendants understand what is happening, from the moment of arrest to sentencing and punishment. Before a trial can even begin, defendants must be competent to stand trial—meaning that they understand and appreciate the nature of the charges against them, and they can assist their attorney in formulating a defense. Once competency is established, the defendant has several plea options, including guilty, not guilty, and not guilty by reason of insanity. Forensic psychologists are often called upon to determine a defendant’s competency when in question, and to provide the court an ultimate opinion regarding the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense.
This week, you examine relevant factors related to child testimony in child custody and child protection cases. You also evaluate risk assessment criteria in civil commitment cases for sex offenders. You also complete an Application Assignment that focuses on the issues of Competency to Stand Trial and the Insanity Defense.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES Students will:
Evaluate criteria concerning risk assessment in civil commitment cases for sex offenders (D) Evaluate the use of forensic psychology as it applies to child custody disputes and parental competence (D) Analyze the concepts of Competency to Stand Trial and the Insanity Defense as they relate to the trial process (A)
Week3_Assignment11.pdf
Due Apr 26 by 10:59pm Points 120 Submitting a text entry box or a file upload Attempts 0 Allowed Attempts 2
Start Assignment
Back to Week at a Glance (https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/220454/modules/items/9407838)
COMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL AND THE INSANITY DEFENSE
For this week’s Application, you analyze a case study and discuss if the insanity defense would be successful and if the defendant would be found competent to stand trial.
To prepare:
Review Chapters 8 and 10 in your course text, Forensic and Legal Psychology, and focus on the issues surrounding competence to stand trial and the insanity defense. Also, consider criteria psychologists frequently use to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial or legally insane. Review the Week 3 Application Case Study provided in this week’s Learning Resources Search the Walden Library, and select one peer-reviewed article related to Competency to Stand Trial and one peer-reviewed article related to the Insanity Defense.
The Assignment (3–5 pages):
Identify the main factors that are relevant to a defendant’s competence to stand trial and use of the insanity defense. Considering the Week 3 Application Case Study and your selected article, identify circumstances under which the defendant in the case study might be found incompetent to stand trial. Considering the Week 3 Application Case Study and your selected article, identify circumstances that might warrant the insanity defense for the defendant.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
(https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/220454/modules/items/9407847)
PSYC_2101_Week_3_Assignment_Rubric
Discuss why or why not the insanity defense might be successful in the case study.
Discuss why or why not the claim for incompetence to stand trial might be successful in this case.
Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.
Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.
1. To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK3Assgn_LastName_Firstinitial
2. Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page. 3. Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Criteria Ratings Pts
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Identify the main factors that are relevant to a defendant’s competence to stand trial and use of the insanity defense.... (20 points)
20 pts
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Identify circumstances under which the
20 pts
20 pts A
Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
17 pts B
Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts C
Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
13 pts D
Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
0 pts F
Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
20 pts A
Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
17 pts B
Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts C
Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning
0 pts F
Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
Criteria Ratings Pts
defendant in the case study might be found incompetent to stand trial.... (20 points)
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Identify circumstances that might warrant the insanity defense for the defendant.... (20 points)
20 pts
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the
20 pts
Resources when necessary.
13 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
20 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
17 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
13 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
20 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources
17 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning
15 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some
13 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the
Criteria Ratings Pts
answer accurate?...Discuss why or why not the insanity defense might be successful in the case study.... (20 points)
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Discuss why or why not the claim for incompetence to stand trial might be successful in this case.... (20 points)
20 pts
Quality of Writing ... (15 points)
15 pts
when necessary.
Resources when necessary.
supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
Learning Resources when necessary.
0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
20 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
17 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
13 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts A Writing is clear and organized with few or no errors in mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling (MUGS).
12 pts B Writing is mostly clear and organized with few MUGS errors. Writing is original (i.e., use of own words and
10.5 pts C Writing is somewhat clear and organized with some MUGS errors. Most writing is original (i.e., use of own
9 pts D Writing is somewhat unclear and disorganized and/or contains many MUGS errors. There is an overuse
0 pts F Writing is unclear and/or disorganized and/or contains many MUGS errors.
Criteria Ratings Pts
Information documentation ...(5 points)
5 pts
Total Points: 120
There is a preponderance of original writing (i.e., use of own words and proper paraphrasing).
proper paraphrasing).
words and proper paraphrasing).
of direct quotations and/or ineffective paraphrasing.
There is an underuse of original writing and an overuse of directly quoted content.
5 pts A Information from the Learning Resources is properly documented with citation(s) and reference(s).
3.5 pts B Information from the Learning Resources is partially documented with citation(s) and/or reference(s).
0 pts C Information from the Learning Resources is not cited or referenced in any way.
0 pts D
0 pts F
Week3_AtaGlance_IntrotoForensicPsych-Spring2026.pdf
WEEK 3: AT A GLANCE FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY AND THE COURT SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
Two parents who love their three school-age children are divorcing. The mother is a highly compensated and successful business executive. The father, a stay-at-home dad, is involved extensively in all daily aspects of the children’s lives. A conviction for drug dealing, possession, and use during his third year at college has prevented him from securing well-paid employment. Both parents want full custody of their children. What factors should the courts consider in this matter? Should the children’s parental preferences be taken into account? Should they be allowed to testify in their own custody case?
Consider a vastly different scenario. A 48-year-old high school basketball coach has been accused of sexually assaulting several of his former male basketball players. Although he has had no previous arrests, the actual assaults involved violent behavior, and victims reported that they had been threatened with physical harm if they reported any of the incidents to authorities. Should the coach be released after serving his sentence at a state penitentiary or be committed to a specialized state-run treatment center for sex offenders? A forensic psychologist may be asked to weigh in on these highly charged court cases.
In civil cases (non-criminal cases), forensic psychologists play a variety of roles. Examples of their responsibilities include making custody recommendations and evaluating the "fitness" of
DISCUSSION
(https://w
ASSIGNMENT
(https://w
RESOURCES
(https://w
(https://cdn- media.waldenu.edu/2dett4d/Walden/Canvas/Getty/ 1920x938/GettyLicense_91222902.jpg)
each parent to raise a child. In criminal cases, a forensic psychologist may conduct a risk assessment of a convicted sex offender. The results of the assessment may be used to inform the court as to whether the offender should be indefinitely committed to a psychiatric or correctional facility or be released after serving his or her sentence.
In the criminal justice system, it is imperative that defendants understand what is happening, from the moment of arrest to sentencing and punishment. Before a trial can even begin, defendants must be competent to stand trial—meaning that they understand and appreciate the nature of the charges against them, and they can assist their attorney in formulating a defense. Once competency is established, the defendant has several plea options, including guilty, not guilty, and not guilty by reason of insanity. Forensic psychologists are often called upon to determine a defendant’s competency when in question, and to provide the court an ultimate opinion regarding the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense.
This week, you examine relevant factors related to child testimony in child custody and child protection cases. You also evaluate risk assessment criteria in civil commitment cases for sex offenders. You also complete an Application Assignment that focuses on the issues of Competency to Stand Trial and the Insanity Defense.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES Students will:
Evaluate criteria concerning risk assessment in civil commitment cases for sex offenders (D) Evaluate the use of forensic psychology as it applies to child custody disputes and parental competence (D) Analyze the concepts of Competency to Stand Trial and the Insanity Defense as they relate to the trial process (A)
Week3_Assignment11.pdf
Due Apr 26 by 10:59pm Points 120 Submitting a text entry box or a file upload Attempts 0 Allowed Attempts 2
Start Assignment
Back to Week at a Glance (https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/220454/modules/items/9407838)
COMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL AND THE INSANITY DEFENSE
For this week’s Application, you analyze a case study and discuss if the insanity defense would be successful and if the defendant would be found competent to stand trial.
To prepare:
Review Chapters 8 and 10 in your course text, Forensic and Legal Psychology, and focus on the issues surrounding competence to stand trial and the insanity defense. Also, consider criteria psychologists frequently use to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial or legally insane. Review the Week 3 Application Case Study provided in this week’s Learning Resources Search the Walden Library, and select one peer-reviewed article related to Competency to Stand Trial and one peer-reviewed article related to the Insanity Defense.
The Assignment (3–5 pages):
Identify the main factors that are relevant to a defendant’s competence to stand trial and use of the insanity defense. Considering the Week 3 Application Case Study and your selected article, identify circumstances under which the defendant in the case study might be found incompetent to stand trial. Considering the Week 3 Application Case Study and your selected article, identify circumstances that might warrant the insanity defense for the defendant.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
(https://waldenu.instructure.com/courses/220454/modules/items/9407847)
PSYC_2101_Week_3_Assignment_Rubric
Discuss why or why not the insanity defense might be successful in the case study.
Discuss why or why not the claim for incompetence to stand trial might be successful in this case.
Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.
Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.
1. To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK3Assgn_LastName_Firstinitial
2. Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page. 3. Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Criteria Ratings Pts
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Identify the main factors that are relevant to a defendant’s competence to stand trial and use of the insanity defense.... (20 points)
20 pts
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Identify circumstances under which the
20 pts
20 pts A
Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
17 pts B
Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts C
Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
13 pts D
Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
0 pts F
Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
20 pts A
Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
17 pts B
Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts C
Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning
0 pts F
Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
Criteria Ratings Pts
defendant in the case study might be found incompetent to stand trial.... (20 points)
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Identify circumstances that might warrant the insanity defense for the defendant.... (20 points)
20 pts
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the
20 pts
Resources when necessary.
13 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
20 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
17 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
13 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
20 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources
17 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning
15 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some
13 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the
Criteria Ratings Pts
answer accurate?...Discuss why or why not the insanity defense might be successful in the case study.... (20 points)
Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Discuss why or why not the claim for incompetence to stand trial might be successful in this case.... (20 points)
20 pts
Quality of Writing ... (15 points)
15 pts
when necessary.
Resources when necessary.
supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
Learning Resources when necessary.
0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
20 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
17 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
13 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.
15 pts A Writing is clear and organized with few or no errors in mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling (MUGS).
12 pts B Writing is mostly clear and organized with few MUGS errors. Writing is original (i.e., use of own words and
10.5 pts C Writing is somewhat clear and organized with some MUGS errors. Most writing is original (i.e., use of own
9 pts D Writing is somewhat unclear and disorganized and/or contains many MUGS errors. There is an overuse
0 pts F Writing is unclear and/or disorganized and/or contains many MUGS errors.
Criteria Ratings Pts
Information documentation ...(5 points)
5 pts
Total Points: 120
There is a preponderance of original writing (i.e., use of own words and proper paraphrasing).
proper paraphrasing).
words and proper paraphrasing).
of direct quotations and/or ineffective paraphrasing.
There is an underuse of original writing and an overuse of directly quoted content.
5 pts A Information from the Learning Resources is properly documented with citation(s) and reference(s).
3.5 pts B Information from the Learning Resources is partially documented with citation(s) and/or reference(s).
0 pts C Information from the Learning Resources is not cited or referenced in any way.
0 pts D
0 pts F