Forensic and Legal Psychology

Catalog description

A scientific approach to the intersection between psychology and the legal system. Roles played by psychologists, including how they conduct research, advise, evaluate, and reform the legal system will be explored. The experiences of witnesses, victims, and suspects will be examined through psychological theory, empirical evidence, and real-world criminal and civil cases. Topics addressed include policing, eyewitness memory and testimony, child witnesses, criminal profiling, lie detection, interrogations and confessions, legal and ethical responsibilities of clinicians, competency, the insanity defense, jury decision-making, and the death penalty. Particular attention will be paid to evidence-based recommendations for improving the legal system, including how to reduce wrongful convictions. 54.00 hours lecture. (Letter grade only)