What is the main focus of forensic psychology?

The main focus of forensic psychology is criminal profiling and psychological assessments of offenders. This field bridges the gap between psychology and the legal system, where practitioners apply psychological principles to understand criminal behavior and assist in legal contexts.

Forensic psychologists often work on evaluating the mental state of defendants, providing insights into motives behind crimes, and helping law enforcement develop profiles of unknown offenders. These assessments can influence court decisions, aid in the rehabilitation of offenders, and provide testimony as expert witnesses during trials.

The other options, while related to various aspects of criminal justice and psychology, do not encapsulate the central focus of forensic psychology. Analyzing physical evidence pertains primarily to forensic science, developing software is more aligned with technological advancements in crime investigation, and counseling victims of crime falls under victim services or counseling services rather than forensic psychology specifically.