Q.1 Which of the following best defines forensic psychology?
Study of human behavior in schools
Application of psychology in legal contexts
Treatment of psychological disorders
Research on cognitive processes
Explanation - Forensic psychology involves applying psychological principles and knowledge to legal issues, including court cases, criminal investigations, and legal consultations.
Correct answer is: Application of psychology in legal contexts
Q.2 What is the primary role of a forensic psychologist in court?
To prosecute criminal cases
To provide expert psychological opinions
To decide legal outcomes
To defend the accused
Explanation - Forensic psychologists offer assessments and expert testimony regarding mental health, competency, and behavior relevant to legal proceedings.
Correct answer is: To provide expert psychological opinions
Q.3 The term 'competency to stand trial' refers to:
The defendant’s guilt
The ability of a defendant to understand legal proceedings
The legal outcome of the trial
The judge’s authority
Explanation - Competency to stand trial assesses whether a defendant can comprehend charges and participate meaningfully in their defense.
Correct answer is: The ability of a defendant to understand legal proceedings
Q.4 Which standard is commonly used to assess insanity in court in the U.S.?
DSM-5
M'Naghten Rule
ICD-10
APA Code of Ethics
Explanation - The M'Naghten Rule assesses whether a defendant was unable to understand the nature or wrongfulness of their act at the time of the crime.
Correct answer is: M'Naghten Rule
Q.5 Which of the following is a primary task of a trial consultant?
Conducting psychiatric therapy
Advising legal teams on jury selection
Arresting suspects
Prosecuting criminal cases
Explanation - Trial consultants help lawyers optimize jury selection, presentation of evidence, and courtroom strategies using psychological principles.
Correct answer is: Advising legal teams on jury selection
Q.6 What is the primary purpose of eyewitness testimony evaluation?
To assess memory accuracy
To provide therapy
To interrogate suspects
To file legal motions
Explanation - Forensic psychologists examine how memory distortions, stress, and suggestive questioning may affect eyewitness accounts.
Correct answer is: To assess memory accuracy
Q.7 Which legal document initiates a criminal case?
Complaint
Indictment
Subpoena
Deposition
Explanation - An indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime, initiating the criminal trial process.
Correct answer is: Indictment
Q.8 The term 'voir dire' refers to:
Cross-examining a witness
Jury selection process
Sentencing phase
Filing a motion
Explanation - Voir dire is the process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability and impartiality for a trial.
Correct answer is: Jury selection process
Q.9 Which type of evidence is considered the most persuasive in court?
Hearsay
Direct evidence
Circumstantial evidence
Opinion evidence
Explanation - Direct evidence, such as eyewitness testimony or a confession, directly proves a fact without inference.
Correct answer is: Direct evidence
Q.10 Which of the following is a key ethical concern for forensic psychologists?
Maintaining neutrality and avoiding bias
Diagnosing patients in clinics
Teaching psychology courses
Publishing research in journals
Explanation - Forensic psychologists must remain objective and impartial to ensure their evaluations and testimony are credible in legal settings.
Correct answer is: Maintaining neutrality and avoiding bias
Q.11 What is the primary focus of a risk assessment in forensic psychology?
Determining IQ
Evaluating potential for future violence
Measuring depression
Conducting personality tests
Explanation - Risk assessments help courts predict the likelihood of reoffending or violent behavior to inform sentencing and treatment decisions.
Correct answer is: Evaluating potential for future violence
Q.12 Which legal principle allows experts to testify based on specialized knowledge?
Hearsay Rule
Daubert Standard
Double Jeopardy
Exclusionary Rule
Explanation - The Daubert Standard provides criteria for admitting expert testimony based on scientific validity and relevance.
Correct answer is: Daubert Standard
Q.13 In court, the term 'cross-examination' refers to:
Questioning your own witness
Questioning the opposing witness
Submitting evidence
Closing arguments
Explanation - Cross-examination allows attorneys to challenge the credibility and reliability of the opposing party’s witnesses.
Correct answer is: Questioning the opposing witness
Q.14 Which psychological factor is most likely to affect jury decision-making?
Witness clothing
Prejudices and biases
Time of day
Courtroom temperature
Explanation - Jurors’ preexisting attitudes, stereotypes, and biases can significantly influence their interpretation of evidence and verdicts.
Correct answer is: Prejudices and biases
Q.15 What is the main goal of a competency evaluation?
Determine criminal responsibility at the time of the act
Assess current ability to participate in legal proceedings
Diagnose mental illness
Evaluate physical health
Explanation - Competency evaluations determine whether defendants can understand proceedings and assist their attorneys effectively.
Correct answer is: Assess current ability to participate in legal proceedings
Q.16 The term 'mitigating circumstances' refers to:
Factors that increase sentence severity
Factors that reduce sentence severity
Evidence of guilt
Jury instructions
Explanation - Mitigating circumstances are conditions or factors that may lessen the legal responsibility or penalty for a crime.
Correct answer is: Factors that reduce sentence severity
Q.17 Which of the following is a primary responsibility of an expert witness?
Persuade the jury to favor one side
Provide opinion based on expertise
Make legal rulings
Argue with the opposing counsel
Explanation - Expert witnesses give testimony to clarify technical or specialized issues beyond the knowledge of an average person.
Correct answer is: Provide opinion based on expertise
Q.18 Which type of psychological evaluation is often conducted for child custody cases?
Competency evaluation
Risk assessment
Parenting capacity assessment
Neuropsychological testing
Explanation - Forensic psychologists assess parents’ abilities, relationships, and mental health to recommend custody arrangements in the best interests of the child.
Correct answer is: Parenting capacity assessment
Q.19 Which legal term refers to the protection against being tried twice for the same offense?
Habeas Corpus
Double Jeopardy
Subpoena
Ex Post Facto
Explanation - Double jeopardy prevents a person from facing multiple prosecutions or punishments for the same crime under the law.
Correct answer is: Double Jeopardy
Q.20 The primary purpose of a deposition is:
To present final arguments
To gather sworn testimony before trial
To sentence the defendant
To cross-examine the jury
Explanation - Depositions involve witnesses providing testimony under oath prior to the trial, which can be used during court proceedings.
Correct answer is: To gather sworn testimony before trial
Q.21 Which type of evidence relies on inference rather than direct observation?
Direct evidence
Circumstantial evidence
Physical evidence
Documentary evidence
Explanation - Circumstantial evidence requires the jury to draw conclusions or inferences to establish facts indirectly related to the crime.
Correct answer is: Circumstantial evidence
Q.22 Which factor is crucial in assessing the credibility of an expert witness?
Years of experience and qualifications
Physical appearance
Popularity among peers
Speaking volume in court
Explanation - An expert witness’s qualifications, experience, and adherence to professional standards determine the reliability and weight of their testimony.
Correct answer is: Years of experience and qualifications
Q.23 Which legal principle ensures evidence obtained illegally is inadmissible in court?
Habeas Corpus
Exclusionary Rule
Double Jeopardy
Miranda Rights
Explanation - The exclusionary rule prevents the use of evidence obtained in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights, particularly illegal searches or seizures.
Correct answer is: Exclusionary Rule
Q.24 Which type of forensic evaluation assesses a defendant’s mental state at the time of the crime?
Competency evaluation
Insanity evaluation
Risk assessment
Parenting assessment
Explanation - Insanity evaluations determine whether a defendant lacked the mental capacity to understand their actions or distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offense.
Correct answer is: Insanity evaluation
Q.25 The process of instructing the jury about the law relevant to the case is called:
Voir dire
Jury deliberation
Jury instructions
Opening statements
Explanation - Jury instructions are provided by the judge to guide jurors on the legal standards, definitions, and procedures to follow during deliberation.
Correct answer is: Jury instructions