Two steps forward and one step backward: The law and psychology movement(s) in the 20th century.

Abstract

The field of law and psychology has existed, in some form or another, for almost 100 years. The article presents a brief overview of law and psychology in the last century and shows that there actually have been two movements-one in the first third, and the other in the latter third, of the century. Given these movements, why has the law and psychology movement had so little impact on the law (and, for that matter, on psychology)? Failure to ponder-and answer-this question, may result in the demise of the movement. Given the power of law over individuals and societies, though, the application of psychology to the law is an important and useful way to assess the validity of laws and to ensure that psychological research can influence the law. This paper discusses 12 reasons that may have contributed to the relative failure of the law and psychology movement thus far. In presenting each of the reasons, and considering factors that have led to some successes in the field, the paper discusses methods and strategies that may help ensure the continued vitality and strength of the field of legal psychology.The development of the synthesis of law and psychology will be a long and perhaps a tedious process; but it is a process, however much patience it may require, which for the law will yield a fruitful harvest (Cairns, 1935, p. 219).

Family psychology and family law: Introduction to the special issue.

“…Examples are the amicus briefs submitted by the American Psychological Association and the doll preference studies of Kenneth Clark (Clark & Clark, 1958). Ogloff (2000) believes that, in part, psychology has had a limited impact on law because the range of focus is too limited and there has not been enough meaningful research with a firm theoretical foundation. To ensure that legal professionals attend to what psychology has to offer, our work must be framed in legal terms.…”

Forensic psychology opportunities in Canadian graduate programs: An update of Simourd and Wormith's (1995) survey.

“…In fact, many authors have noted that the training of students has been insufficient to meet the needs of the field (Bersoff et al, 1997;Grisso et al, 1982;Ogloff, 1990Ogloff, , 2004Porter, 2004;Watkins, 1992). Proper specialized training is necessary for psychologists to make competent judgments regarding assessment and treatment with sufficient knowledge of legal standards (Ogloff, 1990;Porter, 2004;Poythress, 1979).…”

“…Proper specialized training is necessary for psychologists to make competent judgments regarding assessment and treatment with sufficient knowledge of legal standards (Ogloff, 1990;Porter, 2004;Poythress, 1979). Despite the clear need for more formal training opportunities in forensic psychology, little attention has been paid to this issue, particularly in Canada (Ogloff, 1990(Ogloff, , 2000.…”

“…There has been comparatively less discussion of forensic psychology educational opportunities in Canada, which is surprising given that Canadian researchers have been at the forefront in this field (Ogloff, 2004;Porter, 2004). Ogloff (1990) reported data from 26 universities with psychology graduate programs (87% response rate) and found that 16 of them (62%) reported having some faculty members engaged in research and/or practice related to the criminal justice system.…”

“…Strong student interest and high demand for professionals, however, have not been sufficiently matched with the availability of formal forensic graduate training, nor with sufficient scholarly discussion of this issue in Canada. The 1990s witnessed significant growth in forensic psychology opportunities at Canadian universities (Ogloff, 2004), but the development of formal law and psychology programs has lagged, particularly when compared to the United States (Ogloff, 1990).…”