Dating back to around the early 1900s, Forensic Psychology is not a new topic, like many forensic methods and techniques. Forensic Psychology is the application of psychology in the aid of legal investigation. Forensic psychology looks into the vast psychological perspectives and applies them to legal investigations, including issues such as public policies, new laws, competency, and also the mental state of a defendant. Forensic psychology is a combination of psychology and law, all essential to the discipline of the subject. The forensic psychology would be expected to treat mentally ill offenders, consulting with attorneys, analysing a criminal's mind and intent, and practicing within civil arena.

Though Forensic Psychology can be a fulfilling well paid career, there are pros and cons that must be taken into account before considering a career in the field. The job can be incredibly fulfilling to know that you are making a difference in a person's life, even when working with offenders in prison. There are also all kinds of opportunities available in this particular field of forensics, which could lead to all kinds of new and exciting careers. However there are cons when choosing to work in forensic psychology. Just getting into the position can be a struggle, as after the years spent studying psychology and forensics, it could be difficult to actually find a job. Once you are working in this field there are dangers such as injury risks, as it can be a risk working with criminals with violent tendencies. There are also troubling factors such as pay, which does not always compensate for the hours of work put in, and this can also be very stressful.

People often become interested in Forensic Psychology because of television programmes or media portrayals, which can often be inaccurate or very misleading. Those seeking a career in this field are sometimes disappointed to find that it is not what they expected. Also, Forensic Psychology is often mistaken for forensic science. Even though they are somewhat related, the subjects are quite different. As mistakes are often made, especially by students eager to study Forensic Psychology after watching some related television show, it is highly recommended that fuller research is done beforehand.