Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 Courtroom Psychology during Criminal Trials and its Therapeutic Role on Victims and Offenders Tierra Wilson Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Clinical Psychology Commons, and the Law Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Tierra Wilson has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Benita Stiles-Smith, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Jana Price-Sharps, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Victoria Latifses, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2019 Abstract Courtroom Psychology during Criminal Trials and its Therapeutic Role on Victims and Offenders by Tierra Wilson Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University November 2019 Abstract In the legal and mental health fields little is known about the therapeutic impact of courtroom psychology during criminal trials. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the inter-relating factors of law and psychology throughout criminal trials as experienced by lawyers and psychologists. Research questions explored the influence of courtroom psychology on criminal trial proceedings and challenges as experienced by both criminal trial attorneys in presenting mental health evidence, and by psychologists when testifying during criminal trials. Further exploration focused on the significance of courtroom psychology, and how lawyers and psychologists perceived courtroom psychology impacting justice for victims and influencing offender rehabilitation sentencing decisions. Procedural justice was the conceptual framework utilized in this investigation, and therapeutic jurisprudence was the theoretical base that guided this study. A qualitative-phenomenological research design was applied by interviewing 4 criminal law attorneys and 4 clinical forensic psychologists. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the data collected: (a) an increase in the enhancement of psycho- legal services, (b) a need for additional education, (c) a desire to improve professional relationships through collaborative efforts, and (d) a demand for requiring advanced training. These results may serve as a foundation for professionals to provide ethically effective and relevant legal-therapeutic services for progressing courtroom psychology measures. Implications for positive social change from this research include recommendations to government, legal, and mental health system entities to consider generating and readjusting standards of practice that govern criminal trial proceedings. Courtroom Psychology during Criminal Trials and its Therapeutic Role on Victims and Offenders by Tierra Wilson Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University November 2019 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation research study to my mother, Jacqueline Wilson, the most patient, loving, devoted mother who contributed to making all my dreams a reality. Thank you for your words of empowerment and encouragement throughout this journey. I love you with all my heart. I would also like to dedicate this research project to every victim, survivor, and underdog. May you use your past experiences as a stepping stone to realizing your power and unlocking your potential for the greater good. “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Acknowledgments I give heartfelt appreciation and thanks to my mom for being a great support system and best friend, and for reminding me to always keep God first in my life. I would also like to thank the participants of this study for being willing to be a part of this research by sharing information about their professional lives. Warm thanks to my university for equipping me with the skills and opportunities needed to be an effective scholar-practitioner, alumni ambassador, and positive social change agent. Finally, I would like to thank my dissertation committee for their assistance throughout this stage of my doctoral journey. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Foundation of the Study .....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background of the Problem ......................................................................................... 2 Statement of the Problem .............................................................................................. 4 Purpose of the Study .................................................................................................... 5 Research Questions ....................................................................................................... 7 Theoretical Framework for the Study .......................................................................... 7 Conceptual Framework of the Study ........................................................................... 8 Nature of the Study .................................................................................................... 11 Operational Definitions ............................................................................................... 15 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................ 16 Implications for Social Change .................................................................................. 26 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 27 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................29 Introduction: Research Strategy ...................................................................................29 Organization of the Review .............................................................................30 Forensic Psychology in the Courtroom........................................................................31 Origins of Courtroom Psychology ...................................................................31 The Purpose and Practice of Courtroom Psychology ......................................34 i Benefits and Practices of Courtroom Psychology ...........................................37 Victim Advocacy and Offender Rehabilitation ....................................................41 Victim Satisfaction Model ...............................................................................45 Theoretical Foundation ..........................................................................................46 Theory of Therapeutic Jurisprudence .............................................................46 Challenges and Advantages of Therapeutic Jurisprudence .............................50 Social Change and Social Policies .........................................................................53 Summary ................................................................................................................54 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................57 Introduction .................................................................................................................57 Research Design ..........................................................................................................59 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................65 Ethical Protection and Considertations ............................................................67 Research Procedures ....................................................................................................67 Participants of the Study ..................................................................................67 Sample Stategy ............................................................................................................68 Selection of Participants ..................................................................................69 Sample Size and Saturation .............................................................................71 Data Collection ............................................................................................................72 Interview Protocols ..........................................................................................72