Objection: Psychology!

Send a text When a teenager commits a violent crime, should we treat them like adults, or acknowledge the science that says their brains are not fully developed? In this episode of Objection: Psychology!, Lazaro dives into the clash between the developmental psychology behind teenage brains and the criminal justice systems. From Supreme Court cases like Roper vs. Simmons and Miller vs. Alabama to cutting-edge neuroscience, we examine why teens act they way they do, whether "adult time f...

Send a text How reliable is your memory, like really? In this episode of Objection: Psychology!, host Lazaro takes you into the unsettling world of false memories and the serious consequences that it has in the courtroom. Using the real-life case of Ronald Cotton's wrongful conviction, we explore how confident eyewitnesses can often send innocent people to prison We will break down the psychology of false memories, the role of suggestive questioning, and how trauma can distort recollection. ...

Send a text In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most complex and debated concepts in criminal law: mens rea, or as otherwise abbreviated, the "guilty mind" that determines a person’s intent in committing a crime. But what happens when someone’s intent isn’t so clear? How do we account for the brain’s role in shaping criminal behavior? We’ll explore how neuroscience, particularly fMRI scans, is challenging our understanding of criminal intent. Can we really see a guilty mind ...

Send a text Is the insanity defense a necessary protection for the mentally ill? Or is it a clever legal loophole used by defense attorneys? In this episode, Host Lazaro unpacks one of the most controversial and misunderstood defenses in the criminal justice system. From the roots of the M'Naughten Rule to famous cases such as Andrea Yates and John Hinckley Jr, in this episode we will explore what it really means to be "not guilty by reason of insanity" In this episode you will learn the ...

Send a text Episode 1 - What is Forensic Psychology, Really? People often have a wild picture of forensic psychology, from FBI profilers chasing serial killers or genius detectives solving crimes at a simple glance, I've seen it all. But what does the field of forensic psychology actually look like in the real world? In this episode, Host Lazaro breaks down the truth behind forensic psychology; what it is, what it isn't and why it should matter to you and our justice system. From courtroom ...