Psychology and the Criminal Justice System, Jenkins vs USA

By Neesha Murale, Year 11 North London Collegiate

In the world of criminal law as well as criminal justice, forensic psychologists bring forth behavioural research to the courtroom to support the case at hand, and this plays a very large and extremely significant role in the field of criminal justice. Often, their main role is punishing and preventing crimes and the word forensic is literally defined as, ‘the scientific method for investigation of crime’. Therefore, forensic psychology is literally translated as the merger of law and psychology.

People that tend to work in this department have the excruciating, but nevertheless thought provoking job of trying to figure out why certain people commit crimes, what type of people commit a crime, what are the trends in the crimes they commit and most crucial of them all how to prevent these people from committing the crimes. This works in conjunction with the judicial system, and works well in terms of mistakenly charging people of wrongful convictions.

The contribution of psychology to the criminal justice system has been extremely vital, especially in terms of comprehension and accountability, why some criminals are served harsher sentences than others for relatively similar crimes. Once psychological reasoning can be applied, it can evidently be seen as one of the driving forces behind the punishments, consequences and the law.

From the initial stages of a trial, testimony from eyewitnesses are crucial in framing a case, as the evidence comes from recollection of the incident. The theory behind this is that it is easier to recall the thoughts if the environment is a replica of the crime scene; this is due to the reasons that it heightens the emotions similar to that of when the eyewitness was at the crime. It is said that shock, fear and being disturbed and being on that same emotional level brings back the memories more distinct and clearer. Perceptions, clothes, smell and other visible aspects can also similarly affect the eyewitness’ report. However, psychologists tend to state that these reports may not always be 100% accurate as other things can hinder these memories and they can impact this.

The psychological aspects in court cases can be outlined to its fullest in the pivotal case, Jenkins vs USA, a trial for housekeeping, assault and intent to rape (1974). The defendant was presented the testimony of three clinical psychologists in support of insanity. All three testified based on their personal experiences and contact with the defendant and after a thorough review of his case history they came to the conclusion that the defendant was suffering from Schizophrenia. It was also stated that after further discussion it was said that the crimes and the mental illness were in relation to each other.

However, it wasn't until 1962 that psychologists were permitted by the US court to investigate further into this case. In the original case the defendant - Vincent E Jenkins, had mounted to an insanity and the psychologists evidence was overruled. However, when the case was appealed it was then said that psychologists had the correct education and profession to conclude a decision and