Forensic Psychology

Catalog description

This course examines the many areas of forensic psychology, or the application of psychological concepts and theories to the legal system. This interface will be explored with an emphasis on empirical research findings from cognitive, social, experimental, and clinical psychology. Topics covered will include the variety of roles that psychologists play in the criminal justice system; the identification and evaluation of criminal suspects; the accuracy of eyewitness memory; the process of jury selection and decision-making; mental illness, competency to stand trial, and the insanity defense; criminal sentencing; and offender rehabilitation