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Introduction
Forensic science involves the study of physical evidence and behaviour analysis associated with a crime scene. The study of psychology and psychiatry will be used throughout this article to define behaviour studies. This article will not differentiate the medical versus the clinical differences associated with each field and as such the terms may be used interchangeably. The forensic psychologist integrates clinical experience and mental health studies where the forensic psychiatrist includes the knowledge of medicine and the neurosciences allowing both to form an independent and objective opinion. The applications of forensic psychology/psychiatry are widespread in settings ranging from health care and the workplace to criminal justice and public safety (Bursztajn, 1999).
Over the past fifty years, psychiatry has transformed from a new medical specialty into an established doctrine in forensics. To reach this goal, psychiatry has had to progress through increasing uniformity and methodology in the search for a balance between clinical and forensic sciences. These two fields are rooted in the study of the individual and as such have become an increasing factor in the analysis of crimes and criminal behaviour. Courts and juries look to the forensic psychiatrist for an understanding of the world through the eyes of a defendant (Rosengard, 1999).
During this time period in which forensic psychiatry struggled for social acceptance, the profession worked toward scientific standards and methods to increase the reliability of the expert assessments and testimonies given by the professionals in this field. As the field became more scientific in its approach, the acceptance level increased as to the professional validity and the benefits. Today, psychiatric training and practice reflects these advancements and continues to earn its role and stature in the justice system.
There are many new applications in forensic psychiatry/psychology, from issues with the depiction of a stalker's personality to child sexual abuse. By understanding the idiosyncrasies and behaviours of various personalities society can be forewarned as to the potentially troublesome behaviour. Following are brief descriptions of several areas that are being studied by forensic psychiatry/psychology.
Stalking Behaviour
Stalking behaviour encompasses an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that can result in a pattern of repeated, unwanted intrusions or communications with another person (Silva, 1999). Traditionally stalking behaviour was associated with delusional beliefs by the...