According to the Unit 1 module, psychology relies on evidence based on scientific experiments and observation in order to state statistical probabilities of human behavior. The empirical approach requires reliable and replicable testing and is based on scientific merit (Fulero et al., 2009). On the other hand, the doctrinal approach subscribed by the law seems to be the complete opposite of the empirical approach. According to the module, judges of the court rely on decisions made by past judges in order to make absolute decisions in current cases. This is the biggest difference between the two approaches as past decisions are not based on scientific evidence. Also, psychology does not allow for absolute conclusions. According to Fulero et al. (2009), lawyers will rely more on their intuition to judge human behavior and judges will rely on inductive reasoning to decide a case. These methods can introduce bias in the form of personal values and beliefs. In contrast, psychologists rely on deductive reasoning in order to come up with a generalized, value-free theory that can apply to a specific human behavior (Fulero et al., 2009). The module states that judges and lawyers are more concerned with conflict resolution rather than seeking out factual knowledge, which is the duty of the psychologist.The case of Judas Priest introduces a new element, in that there have not been any prior decisions that can be applied to it (Ewing & McCann, 2006). With that said and because the idea of subliminal messaging can only be explained psychologically, expert testimony had to be utilized. Psychology influenced law in this case by seeking testimony from multiple psychologists from different fields (Ewing & McCann, 2006), in turn allowing for multiple perspectives and for deductive reasoning to occur. Multiple scientific perspectives can allow for a more mindful decision, as opposed to a narrow-minded decision which would be reached if stare decisis were to apply. As stated above, deductive reasoning does not find its way into the court of law without the presence of psychologists. Since there have been no experiments exploring the possibility of subliminal messaging influencing behavior (Ewing & McCann, 2006), Judge Whitehead could not hold Judas Priest liable of influencing Vance and Belknap’s suicide attempt/suicide. This is a clear absence of blame due to the fact that there is no evidence that subliminal messaging can influence behavior, which can easily be translated into psychological terms. Because a correlation occurred (the boys listened to the album and then committed suicide), does not mean the album caused their suicide attempt/suicide. Since suicide was the issue at hand, the situational differences and the boys’ mental states had to be considered, which is another way psychology influences law as judges and lawyers are not trained to evaluate mental states.In my opinion, people find the intersection of law and psychology so fascinating because it explores the psychological factors that could influence crime and the criminal justice system. Psychology introduces ideas that would have never been considered by judges or lawyers alone. Psychology can pinpoint issues that occur regularly in the criminal justice system, for example, the issue of coercive interrogational techniques of law enforcement. A horrible mass murder could occur with the shooter committing suicide afterwards and the only way it could be explained is through psychological autopsy. It is human nature to desire an explanation for everything and the majority of the time, psychology can suggest reasons for motivations and behaviors of criminals and be able to back it up empirically.
Are you looking for a similar paper or any other quality academic essay? Then look no further. Our research paper writing service is what you require. Our team of experienced writers is on standby to deliver to you an original paper as per your specified instructions with zero plagiarism guaranteed. This is the perfect way you can prepare your own unique academic paper and score the grades you deserve.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]