Mitigating Circumstances

The forensic psychologist evaluates the client to assess whether there are any variables that are important in the understanding the client’s degree of culpability in committing a crime.

Garry Melton, a forensic researcher, and his colleagues outline seven influences that may be important in consideration of mitigating circumstance. These include mental age, immaturity, unstable family background, lack of adequate role models, physical or psychological impairment, chemical intoxicants, stress, and major psychological issues.