What is the primary purpose of a forensic interview?

The primary purpose of a forensic interview is to obtain accurate and reliable information from victims or witnesses in a legal context. This method is designed to gather factual data that can be critical in investigations and legal proceedings. The effectiveness of forensic interviews hinges on their structured nature, which minimizes the potential for bias and leading questions, thereby facilitating the collection of clear, objective testimony that can stand up in court.

In contrast to simply collecting personal opinions or feelings, which may influence the reliability of the information gathered, the goal of a forensic interview is focused on specificity and factual accuracy. Although analyzing the psychological state of a witness may provide some context or insight, it is not the primary focus of the interview process itself; rather, it may be a secondary consideration during evaluation. Summarizing the history of a legal case does not align with the objectives of a forensic interview, which seeks to derive new information that can contribute to understanding the specific legal matter at hand.