Forensic Psychology

Catalog description

Description: Introduction to the relationship between the disciplines of law and psychology via examination and contrast of the issues at the interface of both disciplines. Various legal terminology that calls for psychological input; legal and ethical responsibilities of forensic psychologists, criminal behavior, punishment and deterrence, violence and mental illness, competency to stand trial, the insanity defense, eyewitness testimony, the death penalty, and polygraph testing. Exploration of the role of legal and mental health systems in social control, impact of psychological knowledge on functioning of the legal system. Examination of psychological topics and paradigms relevant to study of particular legal subsystems or topics.