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The Intersection: A Blog

Value Added: Why Law Students Should Care About Psychology and APLS

4/19/2022

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By Sarah Fishel (2020-2022 Law Liaison) 

​Most of the student members of APLS are grounded in the field of psychology with interests, experience, or formal training in the field of law. However, there are relatively few members who are grounded in the field of law and have the same interest in gaining more knowledge about the field of psychology. Being a law student can be an overwhelming and time consuming endeavor, and the thought of adding one more reading or putting one more piece of information into your brain can feel daunting. That said, there are many reasons why law students (and legal professionals) could benefit from the field of psychology - here are just a few: 

  1. Psychology is cited in cases. More and more cases are bringing in psychological information, testimony, and briefs to help judges inform their decisions. This is seen most plainly in the Miller/Montgomery line of cases. Having a basic knowledge of psychological principles can help you to understand your cases, judicial decision-making, and where the field of law may be headed in the future.

  2. You can gain an upper hand in evidentiary knowledge. Often, the fields of law and psychology intersect where psychologists are called in as experts to evaluate or consult on a case. Knowing these processes better, what makes a good or bad report, and why psychologists may make certain recommendations based on the clients mental state, background, testing, etc. can help you effectively argue on behalf of whoever you represent. 

  3. When you get it wrong, there are big consequences. A lack of knowledge about psychology or its practices can have large consequences for your clients and the field of law in general. Anything from ineffectively assisting your client to establishing bad case law can come from having these blind spots. One of the most famous examples of this is in the area of Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) laws, where an inaccurate statistic regarding recidivism rates was cited to a judge, who then used that statistic in their decision. The clinicians providing the statistic later recanted the data, but the damage was already done. 

  4. It can help you better interact with clients. Psychology, at its heart, is about people. Even psychologists who are engaged primarily in research or assessments have some background with clinical work and effectively building rapport. Understanding even just a little about how to better your rapport with your clients, build motivation to work with you, or comfort them through the legal process, can help you in your work too. 

Psychology is not a monolith and can help you in ways you don’t even realize. Forensic psychology may be a relatively small field, but the researchers, clinicians, and academics involved do so much in so many areas. Whether you are looking for more information about empaneling a jury, eyewitness testimony, the mental state of your client, recidivism, the impact of policies, or some other area of interest to you - I can almost guarantee that someone is looking into that from a psychological perspective. Adding this knowledge to your own can strengthen your effectiveness in any of these areas.

Throughout my own training, I’ve met many law students and legal professionals who do recognize the benefit of psychological know-how and what it can add to their own practice and research. So the next question becomes - why join APLS? 

  1. Updated information. APLS is a great source of updated information on psychological research and practice. The newsletters, journal, and media posts are a great source of consolidated, evidence-based information about all areas of forensic psychology.

  2. Networking. Law students are well aware of the power of networking. Adding psychologists to your list of professional contacts can help you in the future! Whether it’s asking a peer for an informal consultation on a case, or needing more formal assistance, starting early and building your networks across many fields can help set the stage for success in the future. 

  3. Our Conference. We have a conference every year that is absolutely fantastic. It’s a great way to get a lot of information and networking done in a beautiful city somewhere in the United States! We’ve had psychologists, lawyers, judges, and many others talk at the conference! Law students can even submit proposals and present! For more information on our conferences - see here: https://www.apls-students.org/conferences.html 

  4. Reasonable fees. Officially joining APLS as a student comes with an incredibly reasonable $15 fee. Law students are often used to the fees associated with their textbooks (astronomical) or applying for the bar exam (that one hurt) - in comparison, the fee for joining APLS and accessing all of these benefits, especially as a student - is incredibly do-able! For more information on joining APLS - see here: https://www.apls-students.org/membership.html 
    ​
  5. CV building. And finally, we all know that a lot has to get done in a very short time in order to graduate from law school. While psychology students can spend anywhere from 2-7 years in school, law students are in and out in 2-3! Getting involved with APLS can mean a lot for your CV, and can include attending or presenting at a conference, involvement with the Student Committee, or becoming a Campus Representative. Especially for those interested in mental health law, it’s a great way to indicate to employers and others how serious you are about your field! For more information on involvement with the APLS Student Committee - see here:  https://www.apls-students.org/get-involved.html 

I hope to see APLS continue to grow and welcome more and more law students into our ranks. As a recent graduate myself, I can absolutely say that my experiences with both law and psychology have been integral to my professional development. 
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Get to Know Your Student Committee: Haley Potts, Chair

12/9/2021

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We asked the members of the 2021-2022 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.
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What is your school, program & year? The University of Alabama, Clinical Psychology (with a concentration in Psychology and Law), fourth year.

Why psychology and the law? It is both fascinating and hugely impactful. 

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? The Office (because I'm a basic millennial), Snapped (because the narrator's voice is practically my lullaby), and either Westworld or Raised by Wolves (because I'm very into robot dystopia lately).

Is cereal soup? I don't think so. If anything, the cereal would be a garnish, and milk alone does not a soup make.

What is a quote you like and who said it? I love the poem Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. "You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here."

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program? The people - I love my cohort and our faculty. Also, Alabama (my home state) has an enormous need for forensic mental health services, so we are able to make real, meaningful impacts here. 

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? A receptionist or administrative assistant. 

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? Network as much as possible, accept that you may not get into your dream program (and that's okay!), and make sure you are ready to dedicate a large chunk of your life to grad school.
​
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? PRETTY FLY FOR A WIFI

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Get to Know Your Student Committee: Annette Addo-Yobo, Diversity Liaison

12/9/2021

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We asked the members of the 2021-2022 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.
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What is your school, program & year? Second year Master's in Clinical Psychology student at Sam Houston State University.

Why psychology and the law? 
I have a strong interest for understanding the intersection of psychology and the law with respect to children. Specifically, what allows for two individuals to grow up in the same environment with the same risks and have different life outcomes.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? 
The Office - it's my comfort show; Elf - My favorite Christmas movie; Martin - too many classic episodes

Is cereal soup? 
No. Cereal is meant to be cold/lukewarm, and made with milk and some type of carb. Soup is meant to be hot and made with a broth with some type of meat and/or vegetable. They're definitely not one and the same.

What is a quote you like and who said it? 
"When life is sweet, say 'thank you' and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say 'thank you' and grow." - Shauna Niequist

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program? 
My cohort!

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
I would probably travel to different countries and learn about different cultures and traditions.

If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be and why? 
My mom - I have so much to tell her; Princess Diana - she seemed so much fun to be around; Neil DeGrasse-Tyson - I want to ask him a lot of questions; Naomi Campbell - she is my favorite supermodel; Barack Obama - I think he is one of the most interesting people on the planet.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Start early and build connections with professors early!
​
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
Bill Wi the Science Fi

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Get to Know Your Student Committee: Sarah Fishel, Law Liaison

12/9/2021

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We asked the members of the 2021-2022 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.
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What is your school, program & year? 6th Year at Drexel University's JD/PhD program

Why psychology and the law? Because its absolutely fascinating and aggravating. It's where I found my passion.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? TV - The Great British Baking Show for obvious hygge reasons; TV - The Office for similar reasons; Movies - Anything Disney for nostalgia reasons

Is cereal soup? No. soup is greater than the sum of its parts - cereal is not.

What is a quote you like and who said it? I will either find or make a way - Hannibal (the historic figure, not the cannibal)

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program? The lack of competition and sense of community

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? Either a Nat Geo photographer or wedding planner

If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be and why? My hubby (he would die if not invited), Michelle Alexander, Bryan Stevenson, David Attenborough, Lucinda Green

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? Don't forget to be a human people want to work with!
​
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
GETOFFMYLAWN

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Get to Know Your Student Committee: Kelly Sutherland, Experimental Liaison

12/9/2021

 
We asked the members of the 2021-2022 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.
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What is your school, program & year? UMass Lowell, 4th year in Applied Psychology and Prevention Science PhD program

Why psychology and the law? I want to help reform the criminal justice system in some way.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? New Girl, Jon Oliver

Is cereal soup? Maybe. Because I love it.

What is a quote you like and who said it? “My attitude, my outlook, I realized that it matters” — my favorite band’s lyrics

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program? That I’m almost finished!

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? I work full time! For the Center for Open Science. If I didn’t have to work, I would hike all day every day.

If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be and why? Probably five of my Twitter friends that live abroad because I’m too online for my own good.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? A lot. Specifically, how to reach out to advisors ahead of time, successful letters of interest, etc.

Get to Know Your Student Committee: Alexandra Lugo, Clinical Liaison

12/9/2021

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We asked the members of the 2021-2022 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.
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What is your school, program & year? Fifth-year Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University.

Why psychology and the law? 
I have had a longstanding interest in the role of culture in disparities within and between the mental health care and legal systems. Relatedly, a number of experiences contributed to a drive to understand the ways in which trauma responses and mental health problems are often criminalized. I thought the best way to study and address these issues was through graduate training at the intersection of psychology and law.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? 
Lost, Law and Order SVU, and The Office. Those are probably my go-to shows because they are familiar, but I also always pick up on new clues or jokes.

Is cereal soup?
Not unless you cook it, and I don't want to think about that.

What is a quote you like and who said it? 
“Feminist thinking teaches us all, especially, how to love justice and freedom in ways that foster and affirm life.” - bell hooks

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program? 
The faculty! I have been fortunate enough to work with several professors who have supported and facilitated both my personal and professional growth.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? 
I would probably have gone into health care. I have a number of family members who are physicians and nurses, so I very much grew up in a culture of people in the helping professions.

If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be and why? 
Simone de Beauvoir, Gloria Jean Watkins (bell hooks), Elizabeth Blackwell, Frida Kahlo, and Michael Tubbs. They are all, in my view, individuals who have fought against social injustices on both personal and professional fronts.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? 
Apply only to programs that you think would be a good fit for you, but think broadly about what that could mean in terms of research interests, clinical training opportunities, faculty mentorship styles, and culture of the program and location.
​
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
Dug the Dog. It's a Wi-Fi network that's been in my neighborhood for several years, but I have yet to come across a dog named Dug here.

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Get to Know Your Student Committee: Cecilia Allan, Communications Officer

12/9/2021

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We asked the members of the 2021-2022 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.
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What is your school, program & year? Fairleigh Dickinson University, Clinical Psychology, 2nd year

Why psychology and the law? There are a number of reasons I could mention. I first realized this field existed when I took an anthro/psych/soc class in high school; when I found out about the intersectionality of these disciplines with the legal system I was hooked. I originally wanted to be a forensic anthropologist but I realized 1) physical sciences are NOT for me and 2) psychology is just way cooler than anthropology. Now, I love it for being a field that can make individualized and system-wide differences simultaneously.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? I said it last year and it still holds true: Friends, New Girl, and The Office (minus Scott's Tots - too cringe).

Is cereal soup? No. While milk is a wonderful component to a soup base, a pure milk base does not qualify as a soup. Also, a cold soup needs to be smooth and thick. Not runny and chucky.

What is a quote you like and who said it? "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Winnie the Pooh

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program? The research. I have a great mentor/advisor (Dr. Georgia Winters) who is extremely supportive and accommodating. I love being part of a lab that allows me to engage in research on the topics I am interested in, and am always motivated knowing that the work we are doing will make a positive impact.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? Event planning.

If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be and why? Just give me 5 dinner parties with Freud. I have a lot of questions about his relationship with his mother.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? Always set aside time for you and your social life.
​
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
2B or not 2B? (in apt.2b)

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Get to Know Your Student Committee: Rebekah Adair, Campus Representative Coordinator

12/9/2021

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We asked the members of the 2021-2022 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.
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What is your school, program & year? The University of Texas at El Paso, Legal Psychology PhD Program, fourth-year doctoral student.

Why psychology and the law? I've always been interested in how the criminal justice system works, particularly for those people with mental health problems. It started early in my undergraduate degree when I was able to take a class focused on psychology and the law. From that point on, I felt like this was the area I was meant to be in.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? Friends, Pride and Prejudice (2005), and M*A*S*H. I picked these because 1) I am literally Monica Geller and 2) they are all the perfect combination of my sense of humor.

Is cereal soup? Maybe. Why would we have another name for cereal if it was soup? We could just call it breakfast soup? Also, you can eat cereal dry and you can’t do that with a soup.

What is a quote you like and who said it? A quote I like by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Be confident, not certain.”

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program? My favorite thing about my current graduate program are the strong connections we have with our community agencies. Having agencies that equally value the research we are doing provides great outcomes for not only the facilities, but our progress as students in the program.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? I'd be a lawyer or a professional organizer.

If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be and why? If I could invite five people to a dinner party, I would choose Jane Austen, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Maya Angelou, and S.E. Hinton. The reason I choose these women were because I think their experiences would make for interesting conversation as a group.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? My advice to those applying to graduate school are to make sure that you do research on 1) the mentor you want to work under and make sure that their research interests currently align with yours and 2) always investigate the funding opportunities available for graduate students in the program. Both of those things help to make the decision easier, in my opinion.
​
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
“FBI Surveillance Van”

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Get to Know Your Student Committee: Lili Ramos, Secretary

12/9/2021

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We asked the members of the 2021-2022 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.
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What is your school, program & year? Clinical Psychology PhD at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, second year

Why psychology and the law? Soon after becoming interested in psychology, I realized that I wanted to be involved in research that is meaningful and has potential for real impacts. After working in a lab focused on improving behavioral health outcomes for adolescents involved with the juvenile legal system, I knew I wanted to continue in this field and continue doing work at the intersection of psychology and law.

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? Schitt's Creek, Top Chef, School of Rock - a little random but the perfect combination of comedy, comfort, and positivity!

Is cereal soup? No. Cereal can't be soup because cereal without milk is still cereal - it exists as it's own thing even when not in milk!

What is a quote you like and who said it? "It's not over til it's over." It's a classic and simple quote but one that is big in my family and a great reminder about determination and perseverance!

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program? I am grateful that through my graduate program I am able to receive training in clinical forensic psychology and be apart of Dr. Emily Haney-Caron's Youth Law & Psychology Lab, where we work on research projects ultimately aimed at improving juvenile legal system polices and practices.

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? I would be working as a restaurant critic or in some role related to the restaurant business.

If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be and why? It would be amazing to have a dinner party with all of my maternal and paternal grandmothers and great-grandmothers. I think it would so cool to have them all together at a table sharing stories and experiences.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? My advice would be to a) focus on finding a program that fits with your needs and goals as both a student and person overall and b) spend time talking to current students and hearing their perspectives and experiences in the program.

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Get to Know Your Student Committee: Kamar Tazi, Chair-Elect

11/7/2021

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We asked the members of the 2021-2022 Student Committee to answer some questions about themselves to help you get to know who they are and what they do.
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What is your school, program & year? University of North Texas, Clinical Psychology PhD program forensic track, 2nd year!

Why psychology and the law? I see so many aspects of psycholegal work as opportunities to work towards justice and equitable treatment for folks who come in contact with the system. I want nothing more than to be part of those efforts!!

If you could only watch 3 movies or tv shows over and over for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? I have rewatched Gossip Girl and Grey's Anatomy more times than I can remember (or can admit to, haha). They're just good, comforting shows. I've also rewatched It a few times because I live for scary movies!

Is cereal soup? No. Cereal is cereal with or without milk, but veggies in broth is soup and veggies alone is just veggies. So no, cereal is not soup! Plus most soups are cooked.

What is a quote you like and who said it? Growing up my mom used to always tell me, "we believe in kindness," and I've always held that close to my heart.

What is your favorite thing about your current graduate program? My cohort <3

If you were not in graduate school what would you do? I think I would be in culinary school if I weren't in grad school!

If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would it be and why? I honestly think I would just gather my 5 best gals and have a dinner party because I love them and know it would make for a good, pressure-free party.

What advice do you have for those applying to graduate school? Trust your gut. If you feel welcomed and at home in a program, go for that one. The opposite is also true. A program that doesn't feel like a place where you belong simply isn't worth it, even if it has other benefits (e.g., good funding).
​
What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve seen? 
FBI Stakeout

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    About the Editor:

    The American Psychology-Law Society (Division 41 of the American Psychology Association) Student Committee is composed of elected student leaders representing the interests of our student members.

    You can always contact  the committee via the committee email (aplsstudents@gmail.com) or through the comments section of posts.

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