The paper presents considerations about the so-called forensic psychology, area that at present is generating discussions about the different demands directed to them. In order to situate the forensic psychology at the juncture of the fiftieth anniversary of the profession in Brasil, the paper provides brief excerpts of its story at the national level, some practices originally developed by professionals who have chosen to work in this field and discussions that have been raised in the area of law of children and youth, in family law and in criminal enforcement. Finally, it discusses the context that leads to forensic psychology in the third millennium, pointing out the tensions and complexities that persist. It concludes by the need for a research position, or of mistrust among psychologists not vis-à-vis their customers, but in respect of which requests are forwarded, so they can build, with ethics, their paths and their professional practices.
Forensic psychology; Legal processes; Social issues; Psychologist performance