BAPSY - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Intersection of Psychology and Legal System 1

Question 1

Which landmark California Supreme Court case established that mental health professionals have a duty to warn identifiable third parties of a patient's serious threats of violence?

Accepted Answer

Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California (1976)

Answer

Estelle v. Gamble (1976)

Answer

Jackson v. Indiana (1972)

Answer

Addington v. Texas (1979)

Question 2

What legal standard, established by the U.S. Supreme Court in Dusky v. United States (1960), is used to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial?

Accepted Answer

The defendant must have a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings and be able to assist counsel

Answer

The defendant must be able to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offense

Answer

The defendant must score above the 5th percentile on standardized cognitive tests

Answer

The defendant must demonstrate no symptoms of a diagnosable mental disorder

Question 3

A psychologist testifying in court about the reliability of eyewitness identification would most likely draw on research demonstrating which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Memory is a reconstructive process susceptible to post-event contamination

Answer

Eyewitness confidence is a highly reliable indicator of eyewitness accuracy

Answer

Cross-race identifications are more accurate than same-race identifications

Answer

Sequential lineups produce higher correct identification rates than simultaneous lineups under all conditions

Question 4

In civil commitment proceedings, what is the legal standard of proof the state must meet to involuntarily hospitalize an individual with a mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Clear and convincing evidence

Answer

Preponderance of the evidence

Answer

Beyond a reasonable doubt

Answer

Probable cause

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the primary distinction between the M'Naghten standard and the Model Penal Code (MPC) standard for the insanity defense?

Accepted Answer

M'Naghten focuses solely on cognitive impairment (knowing right from wrong), while the MPC also includes volitional impairment (inability to conform conduct to the law)

Answer

M'Naghten requires proof of a biological brain disorder, while the MPC accepts any DSM diagnosis

Answer

The MPC standard was invalidated by Congress after the Hinckley verdict, while M'Naghten remains federal law

Answer

M'Naghten applies only to homicide cases, while the MPC applies to all felony offenses

Question 6

What is the term for the legal doctrine, recognized in many jurisdictions, that allows a criminal defendant to argue they should not be held fully responsible because a mental condition—though not rising to the level of legal insanity—prevented them from forming the specific intent required for the charged offense?

Accepted Answer

Mens rea defense

Answer

Guilty but mentally ill (GBMI)

Answer

Diminished actus reus

Answer

Guilty except insane