Look Into The Past
Overview Of The Court Case: Jenkins V. United States 1962
Vincent E. Jenkins
Vincent E. Jenkins was put on trial for housebreaking, assault, and rape. pyschologists identified that he was suffering from schizophrenia, meaning he should gain insanity defense. However, the judge dismissed the defense beliving pyschologist couldn't testify. Jenkins was convincted until there was a call for a retrial.
At first, the judges said forensic pyschologists weren't qualified to testify. However, it was reversed in D.C circuit court of appeals to pyschologists were qualifed to testify in court. An expert was meant to have training, knowledge, or experience instead of a medical degree.
Fun Fact
Forensic psychologists weren't normally considered qualifications in terms of mental health testimonies. Only medical doctors were until this very case.
Importance
Jenkins V. United States was the foundation of forensic pyschologists. It stated their expertise and knowledge should be considered even without a medical degree. Allowing them to be a role in legal aspects, which gives insight into criminal behavior.
