Psychology and Law

Catalog description

This course will examine the application of social science research methods and psychological knowledge to contemporary issues within our legal system. Course topics and discussion will include: the structure of the US legal system, the psychology of crime, investigation and evaluation of criminal suspects, court procedures and trial process, forensic assessment, jury selection and decision making, and the psychology of victims and theories of punishment. The course will focus on the intersection between psychology and law, as well as explore important cases involving the influence of psychology within the legal system.