The Role of Criminal Psychology in Albania’s Criminal Justice System

Abstract

Forensic psychology is an emerging field that has gained increasing attention in the Albanian justice system. It encompasses the application of psy­chological knowledge and principles to aid judges, attorneys, and law enforce­ment officials in understanding complex legal issues, investigating crimes, and making informed decisions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role and significance of forensic psychology in the Albanian justice system. Forensic psychologists in Albania play a crucial role in criminal proceedings by providing expert psychological assessments of defendants, witnesses, and vic­tims. They evaluate the mental capacity and state of mind of defendants at the time of the crime, which helps judges and juries to make informed decisions. Fo­rensic psychologists also assist with profiling, risk assessments, and other inves­tigative techniques to aid in criminal investigations. One of the essential benefits of using forensic psychology in the Albanian jus­tice system is to reduce prejudice and bias. Forensic psychologists provide ob­jective, scientific evidence to the court, which improves the fairness and accu­racy of criminal trials. The challenge facing forensic psychology in Albania is the lack of specialized training and education programs in forensic psychology. There are few profes­sionals in the field, and therefore, forensic psychology services are not widely available. Investing in more education and training programs would increase the number of qualified experts in the field, thus leading to more extensive and effective utilization of forensic psychology in criminal proceedings. In conclusion, forensic psychology is a vital aspect of the Albanian justice sys­tem. Its use can help reduce bias and prejudice in criminal trials while improv­ing the accuracy of decisions. However, the field faces challenges in terms of the need for specialized training and education programs for professionals. By find­ing the right balance between complexity and variation, we can ensure that our content is engaging and informative.