The word "forensic" comes from the Latin "forensis," meaning "of or before the forum"—the bustling public square in ancient Rome where trials and legal debates were held.
A classic example: In serial murder investigations, psychologists analyze crime scenes, victimology, and behavioral clues to create offender profiles suggesting personality traits, motives, and habits—helping law enforcement narrow suspects and predict next moves.
In a series of arson cases, an investigative psychologist analyzes more than just physical fire evidence—they examine patterns, timing, locations, and methods to build a behavioral profile of the arsonist's personality and motives.
"Justice without psychology is blind; psychology without justice lacks purpose. Together, they illuminate the path to true understanding."