The disciplines of law and psychology have in common that they both address human behaviour. Whereas psychology intends to explain why people comport themselves in one or another way, the purpose of the law is to regulate human conduct. Both disciplines have been investigated extensively. There are, however, few studies that deal with the interaction between law and psychology. In fact, legal terminology contains expressions and concepts from the field of psychology. Therefore the results gained from psychological research may initiate improvements within a legal system. In the United States legal practitioners have become aware of the implications that psychological research may have for legal practice. In their daily work they are confronted with individuals who find themselves in conflicting situations to which they react in specific ways. The observer can make …