This week we learned about the typical roles of psychologists consulting with the criminal courts, as well as reviewed the legal standards for competency and criminal responsibility. An important role of a forensic psychologist is to conduct forensic mental health assessments (FMHAs) which help determine the defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense or their competency to stand trial.
For this assignment, please address each of the following in a 4-5 page paper:
1. Comparison: (1-2 pages) Compare the assessment of competence to stand trial and that of sanity/criminal responsibility.
2. Five Competencies: (1-2 pages) Identify at least five competencies in criminal suspects and defendants that might have to be assessed by forensic psychologists.
3. Landmark Case: (2-3 pages) Identify and discuss a landmark insanity case. Provide a summary of the case and discuss how competency played a role in the case. Why was competency brought into question? What was the final ruling and how was that determined? Do you agree or disagree with the determination?
Additional Considerations:
Assignment should be 4-5 pages.
APA (Links to an external site.) Formatting required.
A minimum of 3 references required.
Rubric
Week #3 Assignment Insanity or Excuse?
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDemonstrates an understanding of the role that forensic psychologists play in mental health evaluations and competency assessments. Describes the purpose of evaluations in the criminal justice system.
10 pts
Exemplary- Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the primary thesis of the paper that sparks the interest of the reader and clearly identifies competencies/ outcomes to be achieved
9 pts
Mastery- Demonstrates an accomplished understanding of the primary thesis of the paper that sparks the interest of the reader and identifies competencies/ outcomes to be achieved
8 pts
Proficient- Demonstrates an acceptable understanding of the primary thesis of the paper however competencies/ outcomes to be achieved are not clearly defined
7 pts
Emerging- Demonstrates an inadequate understanding of the primary thesis of the paper and does not identify the competencies/ outcomes to be achieved
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectation- The paper does not reflect an understanding of the primary thesis of the paper and does not identify the competencies/ outcomes to be achieved
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdentifies and describes a landmark case on insanity and addresses all elements of the assignment prompt.
10 pts
Exemplary- Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the primary thesis of the paper that sparks the interest of the reader and clearly identifies competencies/ outcomes to be achieved
9 pts
Mastery- Demonstrates an accomplished understanding of the primary thesis of the paper that sparks the interest of the reader and identifies competencies/ outcomes to be achieved
8 pts
Proficient- Demonstrates an acceptable understanding of the primary thesis of the paper however competencies/ outcomes to be achieved are not clearly defined
7 pts
Emerging- Demonstrates an inadequate understanding of the primary thesis of the paper and does not identify the competencies/ outcomes to be achieved
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectation- The paper does not reflect an understanding of the primary thesis of the paper and does not identify the competencies/ outcomes to be achieved
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCritical Thinking/ Analytical Skills
10 pts
Exemplary- Presents an insightful and thorough analysis of all issues identified; consistently demonstrates the use of critical thinking/ analytical skills
9 pts
Mastery- Presents a thorough analysis of most of the issues identified; demonstrates the use of critical thinking/analytical skills
8 pts
Proficient- Presents a superficial analysis of some of the issues identified; minimal demonstration of the use of critical thinking/ analytical skills
7 pts
Emerging- Presents an incomplete analysis of the issues identified; demonstrates little or no use of critical thinking/analysis skill
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectation-Does not present any critical thinking/ analysis
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUtilization of Research
10 pts
Exemplary- Supplements paper with relevant and extensive research into the body of the paper
9 pts
Mastery- Supplements paper with relevant research into the body of the paper
8 pts
Proficient- Supplements paper with limited research into the body of the paper
7 pts
Emerging- Minimally supplements paper with research into the body of the paper
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectation- Does not include relevant research into the body of the paper
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuality and Organization of Writing or Presentation
10 pts
Exemplary- The paper is extremely well organized, makes excellent transitions from point to point, no spelling or grammatical errors and all references correctly cited Paper follows APA format
9 pts
Mastery- The paper is generally well organized with relatively smooth transitions from point to point; rare number of spelling and/or grammatical errors or references not cited. Paper follows APA format correctly cited
8 pts
Proficient- The paper is organized with somewhat smooth transitions from point to point; under 3 spelling and/or grammatical errors or references not cited properly. Paper mostly follows APA format.
7 pts
Emerging- The paper is minimally well organized with minimally acceptable transitions from point to point; several spelling and/or grammatical errors or references not correctly indicated. Minimally follows APA format.
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectation- Does not have a properly organized paper. Does not adhere to APA formatting.
10 pts
Total Points: 50
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