Which of the following is a typical forensic role at sentencing?

• A. Assignment of sentencing lengths by statute
• B. Jury selection
• C. Warrant issuance
• D. Risk assessment

Answer: (D)

In sentencing, the key task is to estimate the offender’s risk of future harm and recidivism to inform not just punishment but also potential treatment and supervision needs. A forensic psychologist provides a risk assessment that evaluates factors linked to future offending— static factors like age and prior history, and dynamic factors such as treatment engagement, employment, and social supports— to predict the likelihood of reoffending and potential danger to others. This information helps the court decide on the appropriate balance of deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and public safety, including whether conditions like probation, supervision, or mandated treatment are warranted. The role is grounded in using standardized tools and clinical judgment to provide an evidence-based view of risk that the judge can use alongside other legal considerations. Other options describe procedural or policing functions—assigning sentencing lengths by statute, jury selection, and issuing warrants—which are not forensic evaluative tasks aimed at understanding risk and guiding post-sentencing management.