Question

A psychologist testified as an expert witness for the prosecution. In his testimony, he stated that: "It is extremely unlikely that the defendant was insane at the time of the offense." How does this statement reflect psychology as a discipline? Note that a psychologist could actually do this, but what would he/she say to be in line with what the legal system desires in responses from mental health experts to this issue.

a. The statement reflects objectivity and aligns with the legal system's need for expert opinions.
b. The statement reflects bias, and psychologists should refrain from making such definitive claims.
c. The statement aligns with the legal system's desire for subjective opinions.
d. The statement is unrelated to psychology as a discipline.

Answer 1

The statement reflects objectivity and aligns with the legal system's need for expert opinions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement reflects objectivity and aligns with the legal system's need for expert opinions. When a psychologist testifies as an expert witness for the prosecution, they are expected to provide their professional opinion based on their expertise in psychology. The statement in question is an objective assessment of the defendant's mental state at the time of the offense and is in line with what the legal system desires from mental health experts in their responses.