Book Title: Modern Forensic Tools and Devices: Trends in Criminal Investigation
Editors: Mr. Ravi Kumar, Ms. Nandini Katare, Don Caeiro, and Dr. Surbhi Girdhar
Chapter: 20
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/658/20
Author: Yogesh Kumar
Abstract
Forensic psychology as one of the more specific subdivisions of applied psychology serves as a point of intersection between the knowledge and competencies of psychological science and the complexities of the legal system, with its main use being the gathering, analysis, and presentation of evidence in courts (Guney et al., 2023). It was an interdisciplinary area of study that started in ancient philosophy thought that covered psychological grounds of the laws and now continues to think about the mental state in criminal liability and competency (Guney et al., 2023). Traditionally, the issue of the connection between psychopathology and crime-related actions was relevant in the Middle Ages when discussions about the concept of insanity and criminal liability persisted (Turgut, 2023). It was this historical setting that preconditioned the central role of forensic psychology in comprehending and forecasting criminal behavior, especially by the means of such techniques as criminal profiling (Eze et al., 2025). Criminal profiling, which is one of the most significant areas of using forensic psychology, refers to the examination of behavior patterns and psychological traits of criminals and uses them to aid in law enforcement (Eze et al., 2025). Crime scene evidence and other types of data can be studied systematically to determine the characteristics of the individuals who may have committed certain offenses, which are the methods of this approach (also referred to as behavioral profiling) (Eze et al., 2025). The usefulness of psychological profiling is seen in its ability to provide beneficial information when used in conjunction with conventional investigative practices, even though it is not a one-sided tool (Eze et al., 2025). The creation of forensic psychology, in turn, is a convergence of mental health principles with legal system and justice system needs, to maintain social order and fair legal proceedings (Turgut, 2023). This is further complemented by the integration of psychological testing, including Forensic Psychological Assessments that allow the evaluation of the individual subject of criminal justice in terms of their risks and their future recidivism (Chen, 2025). These assessments play a very important role in establishing the mental stability, personality, and ability of a person, which is essential to formulating a diagnosis, prognosis, and the plan of intervention in legal settings (Hutabarat, 2024).