Required Texts:

Curt R. Bartol & Anne M. Bartol, 2004. Psychology and Law: Theory, Research and Application (3rd edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. 

Robert Hare, 1999. Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us. New York, NY: Guilford Publications.

Course Description:

This course is designed to be an introduction to the interaction between psychology and the legal system. The contribution of psychology to such legal topics as family law, juvenile delinquency, law enforcement and correctional psychology will be surveyed. Legal standards will be discussed for topics such as insanity, civil commitment and expert testimony. Selected topics will be covered in more detail including psychopaths and ethics. How to write a clinical report will be the final topic.

Course Objectives:

1.   Students will become familiar with the different roles that psychologists may play within the legal and correctional systems.

2.      Students will demonstrate an understanding of how certain psychological constructs are defined by the legal system (e.g., competency to stand trial, insanity, civil commitment).

3.      Students will come to understand how psychological assessments are used for forensic purposes (e.g., risk assessments, family evaluations).

4.      Students will demonstrate familiarity about how certain psychological disorders are viewed by the legal system (e.g., psychopathy).

5.      Students will acquire knowledge of the impact of current legal standards and ethical considerations on psychological practice.

Course Evaluation:

Your grade in this course will be based on the following requirements:

1.      A mid-term exam (35%) This exam will be based on the readings and discussions pertaining to the first 7 topics outlined below. The exam will be a combination of multiple choice questions, short answer definitions and essay questions. 

2.      Online assignments  (20%) Students will have to complete online assignments and exercises related to assigned readings. 

3.      A final exam worth (35%) This exam will be based on the readings and discussions pertaining to the last 8 topics outlined below. It will not be cumulative so will not cover material examined in the midterm. The exam will be a combination of multiple choice questions, short answer definitions and essay questions. 

4.       Course participation (10%). Students will participate in online focused discussions related to assigned readings.  Readings must be completed for thoughtful participation in the online discussions.