Exploratory Study of Forensic Psychology in the Criminal Justice System in Ghana: A Focus on the Communication Process

Abstract

It appears that mental health concerns are addressed in the legal system as more and more people with mental health conditions break the law. Through the use of forensic investigation techniques and protocols, law enforcement organizations worldwide have improved their ability to deter and manage criminal activity. Nonetheless, the non-expert audience that the forensic expert interacts with on a daily basis might not be as informed as they are, and more importantly, they may not understand their technical terms in the same way. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to address the dearth of understanding on forensic psychology and increase awareness of the subject among Ghanaian legal practitioners. Further, Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory and Burr’s Social Constructionist Theory served as theoretical foundations for this study. The study employed the qualitative research approach to obtain data from 15 employees within the criminal justice system using a semi-structured interview guide. The study discovered that forensic psychology describes the application of psychological principles in the criminal justice and legal systems and helps law enforcement and courts assess a person’s likelihood of committing a crime and understand criminal behaviour. The study also revealed that forensic psychology is essential for resolving conflicts and assessing an offender’s mental state and preparedness for trial. Moreover, the study revealed that forensic psychology can easily be integrated into the legal system through education, training, and awareness creation on forensic psychology within the legal system. Also, the study discovered that the discipline can be incorporated in policy and through collaboration amongst key stakeholders of the legal profession is necessary. The study recommended that the legal system must encourage forensic psychologists to share their in-depth knowledge and expertise, encourage the application of forensic psychology in their proceedings, and also encourage educational institutions to offer forensic psychology courses to educate legal professionals on the value of using forensic psychology in the legal system.