Research Bulletin
Vol.2 | November 2022
The Need for a Psychological Emphasis in the Criminal Justice System
A recent Supreme Court order (dated October 2022) has emphasized and reiterated the importance of conducting psychological evaluations of convicts who have been ordered death sentences. The pertinence of a psychological emphasis in the criminal justice system is emphasized in the edited volume that is in the spotlight of this edition of the JIBS Research Bulletin. The book is edited by and contains chapters by several JIBS faculty members.
This book presents the reader with a comprehensive overview of criminal psychology across diverse socio-economic and psycho-sociological contexts. It emphasizes the role and function of psychology in various aspects of the criminal justice process, beginning with the investigation of crimes to the rehabilitation or reintegration of offenders. Contemporary research in criminology and psychology is discussed to understand the minds of offenders, how effective interaction with offenders can be encouraged during investigation and conviction, and how positive changes can be introduced in various stages of the criminal justice process. Chapters within the book apply a psychological lens to discuss ways of improving the efficacy of the correctional system and public confidence in the justice system.
Criminal Psychology Through a Positive Psychology Lens: From a Deficit to Asset Perspective
Is Forensic Evidence Impartial? Cognitive Biases in Forensic Analysis.
Khanna, P. (2021).
This chapter explores important issues in the domain of criminal psychology through a positive psychology lens. In essence, the scope and importance of looking at crime prevention and criminal rehabilitation through a strengths-based perspective, beyond the conventional remedial approach, is discussed. Read more
Bhadra, P. (2021).
The chapter gives an overview of cognitive biases within forensic science highlighting the vulnerabilities of the existing practices, and how they affect objective investigation and interpretation of results. These are presented in the context of real case studies to highlight the key issues that compromise the delivery of justice, and the need to recognize and mitigate the effect of these biases. Read more
The Science of Criminal Profiling
Investigating the Eyewitness: Accuracy and Fallacies of Memory.
Sahni, S.P., Choudhury, T. (2021).
Criminal profiling has been in existence since the 1960s. It is a global practice followed to lead to accurate cognizance of the crime. This chapter pays particular attention to the psychological beliefs that have insisted on the link between psychopathy and crime, along with the questioning of such understanding. Read more
Junnarkar, M., Lakhani, S. (2021).
Despite the advent of scientific evidence in criminal adjudication, eyewitness testimony continues to be widely prevalent in the criminal justice system for many reasons. From among the wrongful convictions that have been widely reported, it has been found that about 72% of these occurred due to eyewitness misidentification, among other reasons. This chapter unravels the various factors that affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony and eyewitness identification Read more
Decision-Making in the Courtroom: Judiciary
Criminal Psychology: Understanding Criminal Behaviour.
Junnarkar, M., Adlakha, K. (2021).
The verdict in all criminal cases is heavily reliant on judge’s decision-making abilities. This, in turn, may be influenced by arguments from the litigating lawyers, eyewitness testimony, and comments from the arbitration panel; however, the lawyers are reported to generally hold maximal influence. This chapter outlines the various factors that influence the judges’ decision-making process. Read more
Sahni, S.P., Phakey, N. (2021).
Criminal psychology is a field involving an amalgamation of psychology, criminology, and the law. This discipline was conceived in the mid-twentieth century, when psychologists began offering expert perspectives on criminal behaviour and speculate about the possible causes that push one to commit such acts. This chapter expounds upon the purview of criminal psychology, how it emerged as a specialized field of study, and how it is different from related disciplines such as forensic psychology. Read more