Forensic Psychology

Catalog description

This course will examine the intersection between psychology and the law as pertaining to both civil and criminal matters. Students will learn the nature of forensic psychology as it applies to the assessment of criminal defendants, including the insanity defense, fitness to stand trial, offender recidivism, risk of dangerousness assessments, expert testimony, justice for minoritized groups, and psycholegal issues. This course will also review civil legal scenarios involving a psychological component, such as civil commitment, disability, fitness for duty, personal injury, child custody, fitness to parent, etc.