Question

What is an example of psychological “syndrome” that may be introduced as evidence by a forensic psychologist? In what situations might using this psychological “syndrome” be valid or not? Explain using scholarly support.

Answer 1

The ‘Battered Woman Syndrome’ was introduced in a United States court in the 1979s and later in the Canadian courts. This was conceptualised by forensic psychologists in order to defend women who had killed their abusers. Syndrome evidence is helpful in explaining the unusual behaviour of a criminal complainant. It is increasingly being used in a substantive manner, to support a particular claim with little or no evidence (Huss, 2013).

References:

Huss, M. T. (2013). Forensic Psychology, 2nd Edition. John Wiley & Sons.