Forensic Science and the Legal System

Catalog description

This course introduces students to advanced legal process, the roles and responsibilities of the multi-disciplinary forensic and legal professionals, and the civil and criminal applications of forensic science in the judicial process. The various roles of the forensic nurse at the advanced practice level will be explored. The course will prepare forensic nurses at an advanced practice level to interface with the legal system. The impact of collaborative practice in various levels of policy will be explored. The sources of law, federal and state legal systems, civil and criminal systems, interaction between the law and forensic science in the courtroom, fact versus expert witness, and tasks of the fact finder will be reviewed. Issues related to nurses in the courtroom and their potential impact on the outcome of legal proceedings will be further explored. Specific forensic nursing competencies for professional caring practice will be applied to discussion of medical-legal issues.