Running head: CASE STUDY
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CASE STUDY
Courtney Buchanan
Professor Faille
Southern New Hampshire University
9/17/2017
CASE STUDY
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Mr. Davis is a Muslim immigrant who moved to the country five years ago with a long
history of psychiatric hospitalization because he suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. He
believes that uniformed spies have been sent to assassinate him. He also reports auditory and
visual hallucinations when not on his medication.
He served 45 days in jail or trespassing where he was put on anti-psychotic medications.
Upon his release he returned to the streets and stopped taking his medication. He was assaulted
by several youths who hit and kicked him, leaving him on the ground but suffered no serious
injuries. He was convinced that these juveniles who assaulted him were spies who would come
back to assault him. He found a 17-inch pipe and hid in the shadows fearing for his life. In the
morning he saw two uniformed youths approaching him and was convinced they were the spies
coming to kill him. He attacked the 12-year-old boy and struck him in the head causing brain
tumor, and his 14-year-old brother, who managed to get away after suffering a blow to the face.
He then went back and bludgeoned the 12-year-old to death. When the police arrived, he was
still hitting the lifeless body. He was found incompetent to face trial and was treated at a state
hospital for eight months, after which he was found competent and tried and convicted of capital
murder.
The mitigating factors that the forensic psychologist would address here are that the
accused was under extreme mental distress. He has history of psychiatric hospitalization related
to his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and stopped his medicine after his release from jail.
He was attacked by youths who hit him and kicked him which aggravated his distress. The
uniform on the boys may also have triggered his hallucinations. He continued to beat the boy’s
lifeless body showing that he did not understand the wrongfulness of his acts. Which is an
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indication that he was in a different state of mind and unaware of his acts. Another indication
was the fact that he did not run away from the police, but instead dropped the pipe and sat and
subdued. This implies that he did not feel guilt and therefore did not recognize his act as wrong.
Mr. Davis was treated for eight months after which he was found competent to face trial. He was
not supposed to face trial after this treatment. He instead should be committed to a psychiatric
hospital and put on medication as he’s a sick man, not a criminal. In many cases where a
potential mental illness is present, it is overlooked depending on the severity of the crime. In the
case of Mr. Davis, the court needs to look at this evidence and consider the recommendation as
he has no history of serious criminal activity. This could have been a turning point in the case
because it could have been proven to be a mental break which resulted in the crime committed.
The court decided that it was best for him to be behind bars instead of transferring him to a
facility where he can receive the appropriate help. In jail, he will not receive the help that is
needed and will not help his mental state.
In the case of Ford v Wainwright, petitioner was convicted of murder in a Florida state
court and sentenced to death (Law, 2006). There is no suggestion that he was incompetent at the
time of the offense, at trial, or at sentencing. But subsequently he began to manifest changes in
behavior, indicating a mental disorder. The Supreme Court held that executing the insane is
unconstitutional because the insane inmate does not understand the purpose of his or her
punishment (Law, 2006). Executing such a person has no retributive effect. If a defendant was
insane at the time of the crime he or she can be found not guilty because of insanity. Pleading
guilty due to insanity ha to be proven. Professionals such as psychologists are called in to testify
on behalf of the possible mental state of the accused.
incompetent to be executed which Mr. Davis was.
A death sentenced inmate can be
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References
Law. American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. 2006. Web. 20 Feb 2011.
"Mental Illness and the Death Penalty." Death Pealty Information Center. Death Penalty
Information Center, 02-22-2011. Web. 22 Feb 2011.
Running road: FORENSIC SCIENCE
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Forensic science
Courtney Buchanan
Southern New Hampshire University
10/2/2017
FORENSIC SCIENCE
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Forensic science
It is the application of scientific processes and methods to criminal laws. In a
criminal investigation, science is applied as governed by the laws and standards to get
evidence in order to solve a criminal procedure.
Scientific methodology
This is the surest way to make forensic investigation more effective. There are
various methods to get forensics such as the litigation method, use of laser scanners,
criminalistics and digital forensics. In these methods, scientists collect, preserve and
analyze scientific data to arrive at a legal judgments.
Litigation method.
The litigation method describes the analysis of data for use in a trial as well as the
data produced in the course of any scientific research. It encompasses various
techniques such as the use of fingerprints, lasers, drones, D.N.A amongst many other
processes. The U.S Circuit Court of Appeal gave credit to this method as essential in
evaluating admissibility of expert witnesses. There is the use of demonstrative
evidence during the trials in criminal cases. Forensic scientists travel to the crime
scene to collect the evidence as soon as the offence occurs. They then take the
collected samples to a laboratory for further examination. The information gotten is
essential in criminal and civil cases as it acts as an expert witness in testifying for or
against in a court of law.
Previous investigation. While any field in criminology could be forensic, certain
sections have grown and developed to encompass forensic related issues exclusively.
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Forensic technology has been in use from the medieval, classical and reformation
periods to the 21st century. Some of the previous investigations include;
Use of fingerprints for identification of criminals. For example, in the United States,
Dr. Henry P. (1902), used fingerprints to solve criminal cases. In 1905, the New York
City Police Department Commissioner, Joseph Carrot, introduced the fingerprinting
forensics to the U.S court.
The use of D.N.A is an ideal way to get evidence and to identify individuals and to
tell the individuals apart. For example, in 1985, a 15-year-old woman was raped in
Carlton Hayes Hospital. The police were not able to find any suspect though they
found and obtained a semen sample.
Existing cases. Laser scanners and drones are used extensively. They help obtain a
3D examination of crime scenes. This helps in the reconstruction of an accident or
crime scenes. For instance, in highway accidents that just happened, this method can
be used though not very accurate but it can be used to digitally preserve the
information for long.
Art forensics can also be used to detect and identify forgery and copying of materials.
Criminalistics can also be used to examine biological evidence such as fingerprints
and footwear impressions. Furthermore, digital forensics can help recover information
from electronic and digital media.
Theoretical framework
This methodology is possible when the prosecution or the defense team presents a
case before public individuals probably in a forum. The two sides give speeches based
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on their side of the story concerning the crime and the judgment is made in favour of
the best argument. The best argument forms the legal evidence through the public
presentation.
Previous research. There has an increasing use of logic and procedural techniques
in evaluating criminal cases. In 1784, John Toms was convicted of murder with a
pistol. When the dead body of the victim was examined, a pistol was found that
matched a piece of newspaper found in John's pocket thus the conviction. In 1816, a
farm labourer was convicted of murder by drowning a woman. Police found footprints
on a cloth near the crime scene and some scattered grains that corresponded to the
impression around the pool where the woman was assaulted.
Psychological theory
There are various reasons as to why people commit crimes (Cooklin, 2007). The
key explanation is based on psychological theories. These theories focus on
intelligence, learning, personality, and criminal behavior and they offer a great insight
as to why and individual may commit a crime, (Schmalleger, 2008). They include the
psychodynamic, behavioral and the cognitive theories.
The psychodynamic theory would help most in forensics. It involves the notion
that a person's childhood experience influences his or her possibility of committing a
crime in future. This theory was coined by Sigmund Freud (1856-1839). He suggested
that criminal offenders are frustrated and they are constantly drawn to their past
experiences.
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Rationale
There was inadequate and a standardized approach to criminal cases. This helped
criminals to escape punishment. In early days, criminal confessions mainly relied on
forced testimonies. Forensics has helped protect evidence in the examining processes.
Forensics has encouraged the use of more verifiable materials such as the use of
antiseptic and to reappear the hidden injury from dead bodies, how to calculate death
period, how to examine different reasons for death from dead bodies etc. This
information is essential in ensuring accurate trials and conviction.
I would recommend the use of scientific forensics in solving criminal cases such as
the use of litigation science. Use of finger prints, D.N.A, laser scanners, drones, art
forensics, criminalistics and digital forensics are all essential in ensuring effective and
efficient criminal procedures.
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References
Haag, M. (2011). Shooting Incident Reconstruction: 2nd Edition. New York:
Academic Press.
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Holt, C. (2006). Guide to Information Sources in the Forensic Sciences. Libraries
Unlimited.
Kind, S. (1972). Science Against Crime.
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ETHICS AND DIVERSITY
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Ethics and diversity
Introduction
A forensic psychologist is an individual who is trained to put into practice the principles
of psychology in the system of justice. They are used in ascertaining criminal trials that
determine whether the defendant mental status is in line with the mandatory legal standards. In
this scenario where the defendant Mr. Davis who was convicted of crime which was considered
wanton, atrocious, and handled cruelly and also the other aggravating circumstance is that there
are high chances that he will commit the same crime in future. Based on the scenario, as an
assistance forensic psychologist am to prepare a testimony that would be in support of the
defense attorney position in regards to Mr. Davis competence, emotional stability during the
doing of the crime. Also, the ability of the defendant to understand fully the penalty linked to his
sentence.
Role of Ethics
Forensic psychologist’s Ethical Implications or Ramifications
In this scenario, there is a significant role that is relative to the probable ramifications or
ethical implications, and they include, and it is Competency to Stand Trial. By the Ethical
Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct in the competency section the number 2.02
principle which suggests that a forensic psychologist should provide services in emergencies and
2.03 policy which talks about maintain competence. In Mr. Davis case, emergencies services
will be provided to ensure that legal services are not denied. That is, though Mr. Davis
committed the atrocious murder, it should be noted that he was not on his right mind in. Mr.
ETHICS AND DIVERSITY
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Davis was not under medication, and he missed most of his drugs which lead to hallucinations.
These hallucinations made him feel insecure so he might have acted in line of defense after the
attack on the previous night. As assistant to forensic is one's duty to distinguish and examine the
potential impairments and to involve the experts in addressing the case (American Psychological
Association, 2002)
Potential Risk
Though as an assistant to the forensic psychologist primary role is to hold competency of
Mr. Davis stand trial, there are likely risks that are involved. One of the main dangers entails is
public safety. Though Mr. Davis seems to be recovering during the test, the defendant might be
left free and skip his medications again. This will lead to development hallucinations back which
might be the risk to the public and the individual might harm other people in the name of them
being spies again. Not only will Mr. Davis be a risk to the public but to himself too, he might
decide to opt for an option of suicide to end his miseries once and for all (John, n.d).
Recommended Course of Action
In the scenario, like this where insanity was drawn in, the approved course of action
concerning the criminal is rather than the considering the crime in operation, which was
performed when Mr. Davis was mentally ill the court should at least learn from administrative
tribunals more. Mr. Davis committed his offense when he was insane. Therefore, it can be
considered that Mr. Davis was legally insane in the duration of committing the said violent act.
To which extent the individual was not sure of what correctly he was doing at that time. To Mr.
Davis, it was all in self-defensive, and he did not know at that time that whatever he was doing
ETHICS AND DIVERSITY
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was wrong. Thus, the individual should be found not guilty because of insanity, and therefore he
should be subjected commitment and treatment which should be under the provisions of mental
health.
Implications of Diversity
Delivery of Forensic-Related Services
Delivery of Forensic-related services in such a scenario includes understanding the
collision of deprivation on Mr. Davis and recognizing the importance of restoring his identity.
Mr. Davis is an immigrant for a couple of years and also recording a history of psychiatric
hospitalizations, and it would be proper that Mr. Davis actions might be due to the life he is
leaving. He was under medications, but he stopped taking his medicine which leads to
hallucinations, and also him being an immigrant he might be in is the impression that their
people out there to harm him, so all this must be an act of defense and also he was insane when
he did all that. These socio-cultural environmental issues may have been the influence to how
Mr. Davis was acting in his life, thus committing murder.
As an assistant of a forensic psychologist, it is essential if one has the know-how of how
to meet the psychological, social and the physical health which is based n occupational needs
when providing the service. Mr. Davis was undergoing through a lot when he acted. It is also
important to recognize and understand legislation impact on delivering the sentencing phase. In
this case, if the individuals are convicted of murder it will be hard for him to get the special
treatment and care he deserves as a challenged mental individual while in prison. This will make
ETHICS AND DIVERSITY
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things even worse whereby he will be a victim of being victimized, or be the danger to the other
inmates and also himself.
Recommendation
In taking up the role of an assist forensic psychologist some of the advisable solutions to
the court in Mr. Davis Scenario would be to balance Mr. Davis skills development with the
attention to risk factors and boundaries should be placed upon Mr. Davis. Such restrictions
include, not having access to any sharp objects or anything that would be used as a weapon by
the individual, nonetheless, commitment activities and occupations which are designed for a
long-term welfare and satisfaction of life for Mr. Davis.
Steps for Cultural Competency
1. Prepare and send the proper case file materials to court. The materials will include the
information about Mr. Davis life, where he is an immigrant who has been undergoing
several treats mental on mental illness. Also, include that when the act was performed he
was not under medications and that might have resulted to how to his action. Mr. Davis
was not aware of his doings at the time.
2. Provide further information that the reason Mr. Davis act was because he was not under
medication thus under hallucination which pushed him to act so. Also, it should be noted
that Mr. Davis had attacked the teenager due to the previous experience he had with the
teenagers of the last night who struck him.
3. The legal outcome, whereby Mr. Davis should not be charged with murder since he was
not in his right mind when attacked the teenagers.
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4. Follow-up and final comments for Mr. Davis case, whereby one recommends that the
individual should be assigned proper medical treatment and should always be under
twenty-four surveillances to ensure he does not access any object that could be used as a
weapon, and also he takes his medications (Tseng, Matthew, & Elwyn, n.d).
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References
Tseng, W., Matthews, D., & Elwyn. T. S. (n.d). Cultural Competence in Forensic Mental Health:
A Guide for Psychiatrists ... Retrieved from
https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=YriTAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA195&lpg=PA195&dq=St
eps+of+cultural+compentency+of+a+foresincic+pyschologist&source=bl&ots=OJvzbLJf
Z7&sig=X8kRyjfIZHBw0gU4gUnWc0gNYXI&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage
&q=Steps%20of%20cultural%20compentency%20of%20a%20foresincic%20pyschologi
st&f=false
John J. Broderick (n.d). Role of the Psychiatrist and Psychiatric Testimony in Civil and Criminal
Trials, 35 Notre Dame L. Rev.508 (1960). Retrieved from
http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndlr/vol35/iss4/2
American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and code of
conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/principles.pdf
Final Product Rubric
Guidelines for Submission: Students should submit a well-developed case analysis that outlines effective approaches and strategies that will help you
appropriately serve the client(s) on the case, while also making sound recommendations to the court. The paper should be 9–13 pages long and include at least
5–7 references of peer-reviewed scholarly research, using APA format.
This activity uses an integrated rubric in Blackboard. Students can view instructor feedback in the Grade Center. For more information, review these instructions.
Instructor Feedback: Students can find their feedback in the Grade Center.
Critical Elements
Introduction
Exemplary (100%)
Meets “Proficient” criteria and
uses concrete examples to
substantiate claims or describe
the case
Scientific
Meets “Proficient” criteria and
Methodology: Specific uses scholarly research to
to the Scenario
contextualize the application of
scientific method(s) specific to
the case
Theoretical
Meets “Proficient” criteria and
Framework: Evidence- evidence-based approaches are
Based Approaches well-supported and worthy of
implementation
Theoretical
Meets “Proficient” criteria and
uses scholarly research to
Framework:
Psychological Theory contextualize the application of
the psychological theory to the
scenario
Proficient (90%)
Identifies the case scenario and
includes an accurate and detailed
overview of the key aspects of
the case
Evaluates the case scenario by
applying appropriate scientific
methodology(s) specific to the
case
Needs Improvement (70%)
Identifies the case scenario and
includes an overview, but key
aspects of the case are not given
or are not accurately detailed
Evaluates the case scenario by
applying scientific
methodology(s) specific to the
case, but application is not
appropriate or lacks detail
Applies previous research to
Applies previous research to
inform the development of
inform the development of
evidence-based approaches in
evidence-based approaches, but
providing effective services to the research does not speak to
clients in the scenario
providing effective services to the
clients in the scenario, or
discussion overlooks relevant
factors
Selects an appropriate
Selects a psychological theory
psychological theory and
and provides a rationale to
provides a rationale to support
support the approach as it relates
the approach as it relates to the to the scenario, but discussion
scenario
overlooks relevant factors or
lacks detail
Not Evident (0%)
Identifies the case scenario, but
an overview is not given
Value
7
Does not evaluate the case
scenario by applying scientific
methodology(s)
7
Does not apply previous research
to inform the implementation of
evidence-based approaches
7
Does not select a psychological
theory
7
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